UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT   LOS  ANGELES 


THE 


BOY'S  KING  ARTHUR 


SIR  THOMAS  MALORY'S  HISTORY 


King  Arthur  and  his  Knights  of  tht 
Round  Table 


EDITED    FOR    BOYS    WITH   AN  INTRODUCTION 


SIDNEY   LAMER 


lUustraUd  by  Alfred  Ka&*t 

10451 


NEW  YORK 

CHARLES    SCRIBNER'S    SONS 
1900 

FEB  12  1901 


COPYRIGHT,  1880, 
BY  CHARLES  SCRIBNER'S  SONS. 


[300 
o^o.^ 

INTRODUCTION. 


WILL  the  time  come  when  Hamlet  will  be  a  boy's  tale  ? 

Since  the  young  readers  of  King  Arthur — and  theii 
young  readers  after  them  —  are  of  all  persons  in  the  world 
the  very  oracles  who  must  one  day  answer  this  question ; 
and  since  its  curious  face  will  be  thrusting  itself  upon  us 
from  all  manner  of  odd  corners  as  we  now  go  on  to  trace 
the  rise  and  spread  of  the  stories  which  Sir  Thomas 
Malory  used  in  making  this  beautiful  old  book :  I  wished 
to  state  it  at  the  beginning,  so  that  it  might  at  once  widen  S 
and  intensify  our  thoughts  as  we  look  upon  those  changes  * 
in  language,  in  life,  in  the  general  stature  of  man's  sp 
whereby  the  great  cycle  of  Arthurian  romances  which  en- 
chanted  the  grown  men  of  all  Europe  during  the  middle 
ages  finds  itself  arrived,  in  the  nineteenth  century,  at  the 
form  of  this  present  2^'j  King  ArtJtur. 

About  the  time  when  Englishmen  first  began  to  hear 
the  name  "  Plantagenet,"  from  the  planta  genista  or  wild 
broom  of  Anjou  which  Henry  IL's  father  liked  to  wear  by 
way  of  a  plume ;  when  Thomas  a  Becket  was  beginning 
that  bright  friendship  with  this  same  King  Henry  IL 
which  presently  darkened  into  their  desperate  struggle; 
when  a  stranger  was  allowed  to  stop  over  in  an  English 
borough  but  one  night  unless  he  could  fetch  good  and 
sufficient  security  against  bad  behavior;  when,  although  a 


iv  Introduction. 


criminal  could  clear  himself  of  his  accusation  by  holding 
hot  iron  in  his  hand  or  by  sinking  when  cast  into  water, 
nevertheless  those  bodies  of  men  which  have  since  become 
what  we  call  the  "jury"  —  the  most  admirable  provision 
ever  made  by  our  race  for  perfect  reason  and  pure  justice 
between  man  and  man  —  were  taking  form  :  in  such  a  time, 
which  we  may  roughly  centre  at  the  middle  of  the  twelfth 
century,  the  name  of  King  Arthur  first  appeared  in  Eng- 
lish literature.  For  it  was  then  that  a  certain  Geoffrey 
of  Monmouth  put  forth  his  Latin  Historia  Britonum,  — 
"History  of  the  Britons,"  —  in  which  for  the  first  time 
the  story  of  Arthur  as  an  ancient  British  king  was  fairly 
set  before  the  world. 

Geoffrey  told  it  for  true,  —  not  as  a  mere  fiction.  Here 
is  his  account  of  the  way  he  happened  to  know  it,  and  of 
his  reason  for  publishing  it  as  matter  belonging  to  the  real 
history  of  the  Britons.  This  is  a  translation  of  part  of 
his  first  chapter. 

"  Whilst  occupied  on  many  and  various  studies,  I  hap- 
pened to  light  upon  the  History  of  the  Kings  of  Britain, 
and  wondered  that  in  the  account  which  Gildas  and  Bede, 
in  their  elegant  treatises,  had  given  of  them,  I  found 
nothing  said  of  those  kings  who  lived  here  before  Christ, 
nor  of  Arthur,  and  many  others  who  succeeded  after 
Christ;  though  their  actions  both  deserved  immortal 
fame,  and  were  also  celebrated  by  many  people  in  a  pleas- 
ant manner,  and  by  heart,  as  if  they  had  been  written. 
Whilst  I  was  intent  upon  these  and  such  like  thoughts, 
Walter,  Archdeacon  of  Oxford" — whom  we  suppose  to 
be  the  Walter  Map  presently  figuring  in  this  account  — 
"  a  man  of  great  eloquence,  and  learned  in  foreign  histo- 
ries, offered  me  a  very  ancient  book  in  the  British  tongue  " 
—  Geoffrey's  "British"  here  means  ou-  Welsh — "which, 


Introduction. 


in  a  continued  regular  story  and  elegant  style,  related  ihe 
actions  of  them  all,  from  Brutus  the  first  king  of  the 
Britons  down  to  Cadwallader  the  son  of  Cadwallo.  At 
his  request,  therefore,  though  I  had  not  made  fine  lan- 
guage my  study,  by  collecting  florid  expressions  from 
other  authors,  yet  contented  with  my  own  homely  style 
I  undertook  the  translation  of  that  book  into  Latin."  > 

It  must  be  confessed  that  our  historian's  ideas  of  proba-iX*^ 
bility  seem  very  unsatisfactory  to  the  modern  view  of 
historic  dignity.  Perhaps  no  more  striking  proof  could 
be  given  of  the  enormous  growth  in  men's  conscience  and 
reasonableness  since  that  time  than  by  the  following 
couple  of  stories  which  I  have  taken  out  of  Geoffrey's 
"  History,"  the  one  purporting  to  be  a  true  account  of 
the  way  in  which  the  island  of  Britain  was  first  peopled 
and  named,  the  other  setting  forth  the  strange  advent 
of  Merlin  as  prophet  and  counsellor  to  the  British  kings. 

After  relating  how  ^Eneas  settled  in  Italy  at  the  close 
of  the  Trojan  war,  Geoffrey  treats  of  his  descendants 
there,  and  presently  comes  to  one  Brutus,  the  great-grand- 
son of  /Eneas,  who  is  afterwards  the  founder  of  the  British 
race.  This  Brutus,  having  by  accident  slain  his  own 
father  with  an  arrow  while  hunting,  is  banished  by  his 
kinsmen  for  the  dreadful  deed  He  wanders  forth  over 
the  earth,  falls  into  wondrous  adventures,  fights  battles, 
and  does  noble  deeds,  until  he  is  finally  told  by  the  god- 
dess Diana  that  there  is  an  island  in  the  Western  Sea 
upon  which  he  is  to  found  a  great  empire. 

He  goes  in  search,  and,  after  other  tremendous  wart 
and  victories  in  which  he  amasses  great  spoils,  he  and  his 
mighty  lieutenant  Corineus,  with  a  company  which  he  has 
gathered  in  his  wanderings,  arrive  on  the  coast  of  Eng- 
land. The  details  of  these  matters  occupy  fourteen 


vi  Introduction. 


chapters  after  chapter  first,  already  quoted :  and  here,  in 
chapter  sixteen,  we  have  the  terrible  fight  of  Corineus 
with  the  aboriginal  giant,  and  the  founding  of  Britain. 

"  The  island  was  then  called  Albion,  and  was  inhabited 
by  none  but  a  few  giants."  Fixing  their  habitation,  they 
begin  to  till  the  ground ;  and  "  Brutus  called  the  island 
after  his  name  Britain,1  and  his  companions  Britons." 
But  Corineus  begins  to  languish  for  some  fun :  "  For  it 
was  a  diversion  to  him  to  encounter  the  said  giants,  which 
were  in  greater  numbers  "  in  his  province  "  than  in  all  the 
other  provinces  that  fell  to  the  share  of  his  companions. 
Among  the  rest  was  one  detestable  monster  named  Goe- 
magot,  in  stature  twelve  cubits,  and  of  such  prodigious 
strength  that  at  one  shake  he  pulled  up  an  oak  as  if  it  had 
been  a  hazel  wand.  On  a  certain  day,  when  Brutus  was 
holding  a  solemn  festival  to  the  gods  .  .  .  this  giant  with 
twenty  more  of  his  companions  came  in  upon  the  Britons, 
among  whom  he  made  a  dreadful  slaughter.  But  the 
Britons,  at  last  assembling  together  in  a  body,  put  them 
to  the  rout,  and  killed  them  every  one  but  Goemagot. 
Brutus  had  given  orders  to  have  him  preserved  alive,  out 
of  a  desire  to  see  a  combat  between  him  and  Corineus.  .  .  . 
Corineus,  overjoyed  at  this,  prepared  himself,  and,  throw- 
ing aside  his  arms,  challenged  him  to  wrestle  with  him. 
At  the  beginning  of  the  encounter,  Corineus  and  the  giant, 
standing  front  to  front,  held  each  other  strongly  in  their 
arms,  and  panted  aloud  for  breath ;  but  Goemagot  pres- 
ently, grasping  Corineus  with  all  his  might,  broke  three  of 
his  ribs.  ...  At  which  Corineus,  highly  enraged,  roused  up 

1  The  first  u  in  "  Brutus  "  sounded  like  the  modern  French  u  in  Geoffrey's 
time.  This  in  rapid  conversation  is  not  widely  different  from  the  short  *  of 
Brz't-ain.  The  derivation  was  therefore  at  any  rate  not  an  improbable  one,  in 
point  of  sound,  to  Geoffrey's  readers. 


Introduction.  vii 


his  whole  strength,  and,  snatching  him  upon  his  shoulders, 
ran  with  him  as  fast  as  the  weight  would  allow  him  to  the 
nearest  part  of  the  sea-shore,  and  there,  getting  upon  the 
top  of  a  high  rock,  hurled  down  the  savage  monster  into 
the  sea;  where,  falling  upon  the  sides  of  craggy  rocks, 
he  was  torn  to  pieces,  and  colored  the  waves  with  his 
blood  The  place  where  he  fell ...  is  called  lam  Goe 
magot,  that  is  Goemagot's  Leap,  to  this  day." 

And  here,  in  the  last  chapters  of  Geoffrey's  sixth  book, 
we  have  the  mystic  appearance  of  Merlin.  Vortigern, 
king  of  Britain,  after  the  slaughter  of  his  whole  princely 
following  through  the  treachery  of  Hengist  and  the  wast- 
ing of  his  countries  by  that  warrior,  retires  desolate  into 
Cambria,  —  the  modern  "Wales," — and  for  some  time 
is  at  a  loss  how  to  act 

"  At  last  he  had  recourse  to  magicians,  and  commanded 
them  to  tell  him  what  course  to  take.  They  advised  him 
to  build  a  very  strong  tower  for  his  own  safety,  since  he 
had  lost  all  his  other  fortified  places.  Accordingly  he 
.  .  .  assembled  workmen  from  several  countries,  and 
ordered  them  to  build  the  tower.  The  builders  therefore 
began  to  lay  the  foundation ;  but  whatever  they  did  one 
day,  the  earth  swallowed  up  the  next,  so  as  to  leave  no 
appearance  of  their  work.  Vortigern,  being  informed  of 
this,  again  consulted  with  his  magicians  concerning  the 
cause  of  it,  who  told  him  that  he  must  find  out  a  youth 
that  never  had  a  father,  and  kill  him,  and  then  sprinkle 
the  stone  and  cement  with  his  blood ;  for  by  those  means. 
they  said,  he  would  have  a  firm  foundation.  Hereupon 
messengers  were  despatched  over  all  the  provinces  to  in- 
quire out  such  a  man.  In  their  travels  they  came  to  a 
city  .  .  .  where  they  saw  some  young  men  playing  before 
the  gate,  and  went  up  to  them;  but,  being  weary  with 


viii  Introduction. 


their  journey,  they  sat  down.  .  .  .  Towards  evening  there 
happened  on  a  sudden  a  quarrel  between  two  of  the  young 
men,  whose  names  were  Merlin  and  Dabutius.  In  the 
dispute  Dabutius  said  to  Merlin :  '  You  fool,  do  you  pre- 
sume to  quarrel  with  me  ?  .  .  .  I  am  descended  of  royal 
race  both  by  my  father's  and  mother's  side.  As  for  you, 
nobody  knows  what  you  are,  for  you  never  had  a  father.' 
At  that  word  the  messengers  looked  earnestly  upon  Mer- 
lin, and  asked  the  by-standers  who  he  was.  They  told 
them  it  was  not  known  who  was  his  father ;  but  that  his 
mother  was  daughter  to  the  king  of  Dimetia,  and  that  she 
lived  in  St.  Peter's  Church  among  the  nuns  of  that  city. 
Upon  this  the  messengers  hastened  to  the  governor  of  the 
city,  and  ordered  him  in  the  king's  name  to  send  Merlin 
and  his  mother  to  the  king." 

The  king  having  received  them,  and  having  made  nu- 
merous inquiries  which  were  satisfactorily  answered, 

"  Merlin  then  approached  the  king  and  said  to  him,  '  For 
what  reason  am  I  and  my  mother  introduced  into  your 
presence?'  ' My  magicians,'  answered  Vortigern, 'advised 
me  to  seek  out  a  man  who  had  no  father,  with  whose  blood 
my  building  is  to  be  sprinkled  in  order  to  make  it  stand.' 
'  Order  your  magicians,'  said  Merlin,  '  to  come  before  me, 
and  I  will  convict  them  of  a  lie.'  The  king  was  surprised 
at  his  words,  and  presently  ordered  the  magicians  to  come 
and  sit  down  before  Merlin,  who  spoke  to  them  after  this 
manner :  — 

" '  Because  you  are  ignorant  what  it  is  that  hinders 
the  foundation  of  the  tower,  you  have  recommended  the 
shedding  of  my  blood  for  cement  to  it,  as  if  that  would 
presently  make  it  stand.  But  tell  me  now  what  is  there 
under  the  foundation  ?  For  something  there  is  that  will 
not  suffer  it  to  stand.' 


Introduction.  ix 


"The  magicians  at  this  began  to  be  afraid  and  made 
him  no  answer.  Then  said  Merlin,  who  is  also  called 
Ambrose,  '  I  entreat  your  majesty  would  command  your 
workmen  to  dig  into  the  ground,  and  you  will  find  a 
pond  which  causes  the  foundation  to  sink.' 

"  This  accordingly  was  done,  and  then  presently  they 
found  a  pond  deep  under  ground  which  had  made  it  give 
way.  Merlin  after  this  went  again  to  the  magicians  and 
said, '  Tell  me,  ye  false  sycophants,  what  is  there  under  the 
pond.'  But  they  were  silent  Then  said  he  again  to  the 
king, '  Command  the  pond  to  be  drained,  and  at  the  bottom 
you  will  see  two  hollow  stones,  and  hi  them  two  dragons 
asleep.'  The  king  made  no  scruple  of  believing  him,  since 
he  had  found  true  what  he  had  said  of  the  pond,  and  there- 
fore ordered  it  to  be  drained;  which  done,  he  found  as 
Merlin  had  said ;  and  now  was  possessed  of  the  greatest 
admiration  of  him.  Nor  were  the  rest  that  were  present 
less  amazed  at  his  wisdom,  thinking  it  to  be  no  less  than 
divine  inspiration." 

If  all  Geoffrey's  history  were  of  this  cast,  and  that  of 
the  famous  Prophecy  of  Merlin  which  follows  the  extract 
just  given,  one  could  find  great  comfort  in  a  phrase  of  the 
angry  Hotspur  in  Shakspere's  King  Henry  IV.,  who,  when 
reproached  by  Mortimer  for  his  endless  crossing  and  taunt* 
ing  of  the  Welshman  Glendower,  cries,  — 

I  cannot  choose :  sometime  be  angers  me 
With  telling  me  ... 

Of  the  dreamer  Merlin  and  his  prophecies, 
And  of  a  dragon  and  a  finless  fish, 
...  A  couching  lion,  and  a  ramping  cat, 
And  such  a  deal  of  skimble-skamble  stuff 
As  pots  me  from  my  faith. 


Introduction. 


But  there  are  many  soberer  maters,  lying  nearer  within 
historic  possibility,  in  Geoffrey's  bii  k  ;  and  its  rich  stores 
have  often  furnished  groundwork  for  later  English  think- 
ers, as,  for  instance,  its  account  of  Leir,  an  early  king  of 
England,  which  has  been  transformed  into  Shakspere's 
terrible  play  of  King  Lear. 

Before  leaving  Geoffrey  it  is  worth  while  mentioning,  as 
explanatory  of  several  English  names  which  occur  in  the 
following  work,  that  according  to  him  Brutus  had  three 
sons,  who  upon  their  father's  death  divided  the  kingdom 
between  them :  these  were,  Locrin,  who  took  the  middle 
part  of  the  island,  and  thus  gave  it  a  name  often  used  in 
this  book,  "  Loegria,"  or  sometimes  "  Logris ; "  Albanact, 
who  took  the  northern  part,  and  thus  gave  name  to  the 
country  of  Albania,  or  Albany,  now  known  as  Scotland ; 
and  Kamber,  who  took  the  part  beyond  the  Severn,  and 
thus  gave  it  the  name  of  Kambria,  or  Cambria,  now 
known  as  "Wales,"  though  still  often  referred  to  under 
the  other  title. 

Advancing,  now,  to  Walter  Map  (whose  name  is  also 
spelled  "  Mapes ") :  he  seems  not  to  have  been  content 
that  these  matters  should  remain  in  Geoffrey's  Latin,  for 
we  find  three  long  Arthurian  romances  in  French  which 
are  attributed  to  him.  One  of  these  is  called  La  Queste 
del  Saint  Graal,1  and  is  in  a  far  nobler  vein  of  story  than 
Geoffrey's.  I  have  thought  that  many  young  readers 
would  be  glad  to  see  some  of  the  French  of  Maistres 
Gautiers  Map,  and  for  this  purpose  I  have  selected  part  of 


1  The  "Saint  Graal,"  or  Saint  Grail,  or  Sane  Greal,  or  Sangreal— as  it 
has  been  variously  spelled  at  different  times  —  means  the  holy  (sanct-us,  saint) 
Grail,  or  Cup,  which  was  fabled  to  have  received  some  of  the  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  to  have  been  brought  away,  endowed  with  miraculous  powers,  by 
Joseph  of  Arimathea,  finally  lodging  in  England. 


Introduction. 


that  most  exquisite  story  —  which  is  also  finely  told  in  the 
present  book  —  of  the  meeting  of  Sir  Percival  and  the 
lion,  and  of  their  friendship.  My  extract  begins  as  Sir 
Percival  has  slain  the  serpent.  "  Quant  li  lyons  se  voit 
delivres  del  serpent  par  1'aide  del  chivaler,  il  ne  fait  pas 
samblant  qu'il  vit  volentee  de  combatre  a  percheval" 
[Percival}  "ains  vient  devant  lui,  et  boisse  sa  teste.  et 
lui  fait  grant  ioie.  si  que  perchevaus  {Percival}  voit  bien 
qu'il  n'a  talent  de  lui  mal  faire,  il  remet  s'espee  el  fuerre, 
et  iete  ius  son  escu,  et  son  hiaume  de  sa  teste  por  le  vent 
requellir.  Car  assis  1'ot  escaufe  li  serpens,  et  li  lyons  aloit 
tous  jours  apres  lui,  covetant  et  faisant  grant  ioie.  Et 
quant  il  voit  che,  si  le  commence  a  aplanier  col  et  teste, 
et  dist  que  notres  sires  lui  a  envoie  celle  beste  pour  lui 
faire  compaignie." 

But  perhaps  it  will  be  still  more  interesting  to  see  ex-  yf 
actly  what  sort  of  English  was  spoken  in  this  time :  and, 
for  the  purpose  of   showing,  I  wish  to  bring  forward  \s 
short  passage  from  an  old  English  poet  who  seems  to  me*^ 
the  most  delightful  boy-that-never-grows-old  in  the  world, 
and  whom  perhaps  one  loves  a  little  more,  because  his 
countrymen  have  as  yet  loved  him  a  great  deal  less, 
than  he  deserves.     His  name  is  Layamon ;  and  he  not 
only  began  one  of  the  most  remarkable  revolutions  in 
the  whole  history  of  language,  but  he  was  writing  at  one 
of  the  most  glorious  moments  in  the  history  of  England. 
If  I  mention  the  year  1215,  every  boy's  mind  will  im 
diately  fly  to  that  famous  day  at  Runnymede  when  the 
barons  forced  the  Great  Charter  from  King  John.     While 
this  Charter,  with  its  deep  declarations  which   seem  to 
have  rendered   English  liberty  indestructible  —  such  as, 
"To  no  man  will  we  sell,  or  deny,  or  delay,  right  or  jus- 
tice," and  "We  will  not  go  against  any  man  nor  send 


xii  Introduction. 


against  him,  save  by  legal  judgment  of  his  peers  or  by 
the  law  of  the  land" — was  overthrowing  political  tyran- 
ny, Layamon,  in  a  spirit  not  unlike,  was  overthrowing 
a  literary  tyranny.  For  a  hundred  and  fifty  years  — 
since  William  the  Norman  came  over  in  1066  and  im- 
posed his  tongue  upon  England  —  French  had  been  the 
official  language  of  the  country :  if  you  had  a  communi- 
cation for  royalty  it  must  be  in  French,  if  you  had  a  case 
in  court  the  pleadings  must  be  in  French,  and  we  have 
just  seen  how  Walter  Map  writes  his  story  in  French 
while  Geoffrey  writes  his  in  Latin.  No  one  writes  books 
in  English.  At  length,  however,  comes  Layamon,  a 
priest  living  at  Earnley,  on  the  Severn ;  with  infinite 
labor  he  toils  about  different  parts  of  England  to  find 
three  books,  one  by  Baecla  ("  the  Venerable  Bede  "),  one 
by  Wace,  and  one  by  Sts.  Albin  and  Austin.  At  last 
he  gets  them  ;  and  what  a  fine  figure  he  puts  before  us, 
through  these  six  and  •«.  naif  centuries,  when  we  find  him 
saying  of  himself,  "  Layamon  laid  down  these  books,  and 
turned  the  leaves ;  he  gazed  on  them  lovingly ;  may  the 
Lord  be  merciful  to  him ! "  Then  he  plied  his  pen,  and 
presently  he  had  made  a  poem  called  "The  Brut"  (pro- 
nounced Brute,  and  being  so  called  as  a  history  of  Eng- 
land from  the  time  of  Geoffrey's  Brutus,  father  of  the 
Britons),  which  was  so  thoroughly  English  that  in  its 
more  than  thirty  thousand  lines  not  fifty  French  words 
can  be  found. 

But  Layamon  was  far  from  confining  himself  to  his  three 
books.  His  imagination  went  far  outside  of  their  record  ; 
and  it  is  just  possible  that  he  had  heard  some  of  those 
popular  legends  about  Arthur  which  appear  to  have  been 
handed  down  from  father  to  son,  and  to  which  Geoffrey 
must  refer  in  the  extract  first  given  from  him,  where  he 


Introduction.  xiii 


says  that  the  deeds  of  the  old  kings  "  were  also  celebrated 
by  many  people  .  .  .  by  heart,  as  if  tJiey  had  been  writ- 
ten" 

Here,  then,  is  the  English  of  Layamon,  which,  though 
fifty  years  later  than  Geoffrey,  is  substantially  the  same  as 
was  spoken  by  the  latter.  ^ 

The  passage  gives  us  a  picture  of  King  Arthur  in  one  \s    .. 
of  his  series  of  battles  with  Colgrim,  leader  of  the  Saxons.^^^ 
At  first  Arthur's  forces  are  overpowered,  and,  with  that 
cool   judgment   of  the  brave   man  which  you  will   find 
always  held  up  in  the  present  book  as  a  far  higher  test 
and  ideal  of  manfulness  than  mere  hot  fighting  and  dash, 
Arthur  does  not  hesitate  to  take  advantage  of  a  stream,  - 
and  retreat.     But  in  retreating  he  keeps  his  wits  about 
him,  and  ever  looks  out  for  a  chance  to  strike,  never 
dreaming  of  surrender.     And   so,  presently,  says  Laya- 


Tho Arthur  that  i-seh,  that  Coxgrim  him  was  so  neh, 

1    Then   Arthur  that    saw,     that     Coigrim    him    was  so   nigh, 

That  hii  *  weren  beyne  in  on  half  than  watere,' 

That  they     were      bath     on  one  half  (of)  the  water, 
Tho  saide  Arthur  .  .  .  , 

Then  said    Arthur     .  .  .  , 

here  we  have  a  brief  soul-stirring  speech  from  the  king, 
calling  upon  his  men  for  valor,  and  crying  out  that  the 

1  I  give  the  modern  form  of  each  old  word  immediately  under  it,  in  the 
italicized  line,  thus  showing  the  changes  since  Layamon.  The  meaning  can 
be  made  out  from  the  literal  translation  in  italics  :  it  must  be  remembered 
that  the  order  of  words  in  a  sentence  was  different  then  from  now.  Signs  oi 
this  will  be  seen  along  through  Malory's  book,  though  so  much  later. 

•  "  Hii  "  is  pronounced  as  if  written  hee. 

1  "  Watere  "  in  three  syllables,  mat-tr-th  :  every  final  e  makes  a  syllable. 


xiv  Introduction. 


day  of  God  is  come  for  the  Saxons  to  perish :  and,  with 
the  last  word,  — 

Up  brayd1  Arthur  his  seald  forn  to  his  breaste, 

Up  stretched    Arthur  his  shield  before        his     breast, 

And  he  gan  to  rese,  so  the  wode  *  wolf 

And  he  'gan  to  rush,  as  the  furious   wolf 

Wane  he  cometh     of       holte,  bi-hong  mid  snowe, 
When  he   cometh  (ouf)  of  (the)  forest,  behung    with   snow, 

And  thencheth  to  bite  woch  seap  that  him  liketh. 
And     thinketh      to  bite    what  sheep   that  him  liketh. 

Swa  the  haeye  wude 

As     the    high      voted 

Thene   wind  wode  weieth  hine  mid  maeine, 

When  (the)  wind  furious  bendeth     it     with    main,* 

Flogen  over  the  feldes  thritti 4  thusend  sceldes, 

Flew      over  the   fields     thirty     thousand  shields, 

&  smiten  a  Colgrimes  cnihtes     that  tha  eorthe  agaen  quehte. 
And  smote          Colgrim's     knights  (so)  that  the     earth     again     shook. 

Breken  braden  speren,  brustleden  sceldes, 

Broke       broad      spears,        shivered      shields, 

Feollen  Saexisce  men  folden  to  grunden. 
Fell         Saxon      men  to    ground. 

1  "  Brayd "  is  an  old  form  of  modern  broad:  Arthur  up-broadens  hi« 
•hield,  that  is,  extends  it  upward.  The  Scotch,  who  preserve  many  Anglo 
Saxon  forms,  still  say  "  braid  "  for  broad. 

*  "  Wode  "  is  a  word  which  will  be  often  found  in  the  book  you  are  about 
to  read,  spelled  "  wood,"  and  meaning  mad,  "  insane ; "  as,  "  like  a  wood  (mad) 
lion."    It  is  used  by  Shakspere  in  A  Midsummer  Nighfs  Dream,  where 
Demetrius  punningly  says,  "  And  here  am  I,  and  wood  within  this  wood,  "  — 
that  is,  mad  within  this  wood,  —  "  Because  I  cannot  meet  my  Helena." 

*  That  is,  with  power :  we  still  say,  "  with  might  and  main." 

*  The  last  i  in  "  thritti "  short :  as  if  thritty. 


Introduction.  xw 


That  i-sah  Colgrim,  ther  vore  wa  wes  him. 

That    saw     Colgrim,      therefore    vet  was  Aim. 

Colgrim  gon  to  flaenne,  feondliche  swithe, 
Colgrim    'fan  to      fee,         fendJike       fa* 

SL    his  hors  hine  bar  mid  haeghere  strengthe 

And  his  horse    him  lore  with      higher         strength 

Over  that  water  deape  and  scelde  him  with  daethe. 
Over    that   water     deep     and  shielded  him  against  death. 

Saxes  gunnen  sinken :  sorge       hem  wes  givede. 
Saxons   begun  (to)  sink:      sorrow  (to)  them  was   given. 

Arthur  wende  his  speres  ord  and  forstod  heo  them  vord. 
Arthur  turned  kis   spear* s  point  and  forstood  them    the     ford. 

Ther  a-druncke  Sexes  fulle  seove  thusend. 
There    drowned     Saxons  full     seven    thousand. 


Swa  doth  the  w:Me  crane 
So     doth    the     wud    crane 


Wane  his  fliht  is  a-wemmid  and  him  holdeth  after  havekes  swifte, 

When    his  flight  it   a-hindered   and  him    holdeth    after      Lacks     swift, 

Houndes  in  than  reode  mid  routhe  him  i-meteth : 

Hounds     in    the     reeds   with  sorrow    him       meet: 

Thanne  is      him  nother  god  no  that  lond  nother  flod, 
Then     is  (to)  kirn   neither  good         the    land  nor  the  Jteod, 

Havekes  him  smiteth,  houndes  him  biteth, 


Than  his  the  kineworthe  fogel  adrad  in  eche  side. 

Then    is    the          royal  bird   a-dread  on  each   suit. 

Layamon,  you  observe,  writes  sometimes  in  rhyme,— 


xvi  Introduction. 


Havekes  him  smiteth, 

Houndes  him  biteth^ 
or, — 

Flogen  over  \htfeldes 
Thritti  thusend  sceldes,— 

the  rhyme  being  between  words  at  the  middle  and  end 
of  the  verse,  as  here  printed ;  and  sometimes  in  what  is 
called  the  Anglo-Saxon  alliterative  metre,  as,  for  instance, 
where  the  three  first  main  syllables  of  the  line  begin  with 
the  same  letter,  s,  in 

Saxes  gunnen  jinken :  Jorge  hem  wes  givede. 

When  one  is  so  familiar  with  the  sounds  and  spirit  of 
Layamon's  speech  as  to  recite  his  poetry  in  something 
of  his  own  manner,  the  music  of  it  is  far  less  rugged  than 
seems  at  first  sight  possible. 

If  we  now  leave  out  of  sight  the  numerous  writers, 
besides  Wace  and  Layamon  and  Map,  who  sent  forth  all 
manner  of  romances  in  prose  and  verse  growing  out  of 
Geoffrey's  original  stock ;  and,  passing  at  one  step  along 
nearly  three  hundred  years,  if  we  come  to  an  English 
author  who  is  still  re-telling  the  Arthurian  stories,  and 
find  an  English  audience  still  desiring  to  hear  them  re- 
told :  we  cannot  fail  to  be  struck  with  the  hold  which 
'  Geoffrey's  tales  had  taken  upon  men's  minds. 

This  author  is  our  own  simple,  valorous,  wise,  tender 
Sir  Thomas  Malory,  who  wrote  the  History  of  King 
Arthur  and  his  knights  of  the  Round  Table  found  in  the 
following  pages.  I  regret  that  I  can  give  no  personal 
account  of  one  who  must  have  been  an  interesting  man  : 
so  far  as  I  can  discover,  we  know  absolutely  nothing  of 
him  save  what  is  contained  in  the  following  words,  which 


Introduction.  xvH 


form  the  last  clause  of  the  last  sentence  of  his  work :  .  .  . 
"  for  this  book  was  ended  the  ninth  year  of  the  reign  of 
King  Edward  the  Fourth,  by  Sir  Thomas  Maleore,  knight, 
as  Jesu  help  him  for  His  great  might,  as  he  is  the  servant 
of  Jesu  both  day  and  night"  The  ninth  year  of  the  reign 
of  Edward  IV.  would  be  somewhere  in  1469  or  1470: 
thus,  while  the  Wars  of  the  Roses  were  thundering  about 
England,  while  Edward  and  Warwick  the  king-maker 
were  apparently  shaking  the  world  with  their  desperate 
struggle,  our  Sir  Thomas  Maleore,  knight,  was  sitting 
down  quietly  day  by  day,  and  poring  over  the  five  great 
French  romances  —  the  Merlin,  the  Tristram,  the  Launce- 
lot,  the  Quest  of  tte  Saint  Grail,  and  the  Death  of  Arthur 
— which  appear  to  have  furnished  the  main  materials  of 
his  book. 

And  our  long  account  now  doses,  in  bringing  Malory 
into  contact  with  another  one  of  the  most  interesting 
Englishmen  who  ever  lived.  This  is  William  Caxton,  the 
first  English  printer.  How  much  on  the  surface  were 
these  noisy  Wars  of  the  Roses,  after  all !  must  we  reflect, 
when  we  remember  that  just  about  the  time  of  the  hide- 
ous battle  of  Barnet,  in  which  Edward  IV.  finally  defeated 
the  king-maker  Warwick,  Caxton  was  bringing  over  the 
first  printing-press  to  England,  and  beginning  to  publish 
poetry,  chronicles,  and  philosophy.  It  was  after  he  had 
been  at  work  for  some  time  that  he  was  asked  why  he  had 
not  printed  the  history  of  King  Arthur.  His  own  account 
of  the  matter  is  not  only  interesting  in  itself,  but  will  fur- 
nish a  fit  close  to  the  specimens  of  older  language  1  have 
been  giving.  It  would  seem  that  after  this  request  he 
began  to  look  about  for  some  suitable  manuscript  on  the 
subject,  and  so  came — in  what  way  is  wholly  unknown  — 
to  the  knowledge  of  Malory's  book.  Here  is  the  opening 


xviii  Introduction. 


of  Caxton's  own  prologue,  or  preface,  to  his  edition  of  Sir 
Thomas's  work.1 

"  After  that  I  had  accomplysshed  and  fynysshed  dyvers 
hystoryes,  as  well  of  contemplacyon  as  of  other  hystoryal 
and  worldly  actes  of  grete  conquerours  and  prynces,  and 
also  certeyn  bookes  of  ensaumples  and  doctryne,  many 
noble  and  dyvers  gentylmen  of  thys  royame  of  Englond 
camen  and  demaunded  me  many  and  oftymes  wherfore 
that  I  have  not  do  make  and  enprynte  the  noble  hystorye 
of  the  saynt  greal,  and  of  the  moost  renomed  crysten 
kyng,  fyrst  and  chyef  of  the  thre  best  crysten  and  worthy, 
kyng  Arthur,  whyche  ought  moost  to  be  remembred 
emonge  us  Englysshe  men  tofore  al  other  crysten  kynges." 

It  appears  that  Caxton  was  an  unbeliever,  as  to  King 
Arthur ;  for  to  the  persons  so  inquiring  he  at  first  "  an- 
swered that  dyvers  men  holde  oppynyon  that  there  was  no 
suche  Arthur,"  and  the  like ;  and  it  is  worth  while  to  note 
the  silliness  of  the  arguments  which  satisfied  the  simple 
old  soul,  as  contrasted  with  the  severity  of  historic  con- 
science since  physical  science  has  taught  us  to  scorn  the 
comfort  of  vagueness  in  all  matters  where  it  is  possible 
to  know  the  exact  truth.  To  these  doubts  of  Caxton's, 
his  friends  "answerd,  and  one  in  specyal  sayd,  that 
in  hym  that  shold  say  or  thynke  that  there  was  never 
suche  a  kyng  callyd  Arthur,  myght  wel  be  aretted  [sup- 
posed] grete  folye  and  blyndenesse ;  for  he  sayd  that  there 
were  many  evydences  of  the  contrarye.  Fyrst  ye  may 
see  his  sepulture  in  the  monasterye  of  Glastyngburye,  and 
also  in  Polycronycon,  in  the  v  book  the  syxte  chappytre, 
and  in  the  seventh  book  the  xxiii  chappytre,  where  his 
body  was  buryed  and  after  founden  and  translated  into  the 

1  Only  two  copies  of  this  edition  now  remain,  one  of  which  is  incomplete 
The  complete  copy  is  now  in  the  library  of  the  Earl  of  Jersey. 


Introduction. 


sayd  monasterye.  Ye  shal  se  also  in  thystorye  of  Bochas 
[Boccaccw]  in  his  book  cU  easu  principum,  parte  of  his 
noble  actes  and  also  of  his  falle.  Also  Galfrydus  [Geof- 
frey, latinized],  in  his  Brutysshe  book,  recounteth  his  lyf. 
And  in  divers  places  of  Englond  many  remembraunces 
ben  yet  of  hym  and  shall  remayne  perpetuelly,  and  also  of 
his  knyghtes.  Fyrst,  in  the  abbay  of  Westmestre  at  saynt 
Edwardes  shryne  remayneth  the  prynte  of  his  seal  in  reed 
[red]  waxe  closed  in  beryll,  in  whych  is  wryton  Patricius 
Arthurus,  Britannie,  Gallie,  Germanie,  Dacie,  imperator* 
Item  [also],  in  the  castel  of  Dover  ye  may  see  Gauwayns 
skulle,  and  Cradoks  mantel ;  at  Wynchester,  the  rounde 
table ;  in  other  places,  Launcelottes  swerde  [sword],  and 
many  other  thynges.  Thenne  al  these  thynges  con- 
sydered,  there  can  no  man  reasonably  gaynsaye  but  there 
was  a  kyng  of  thys  lande  named  Arthur.  .  .  .  And  also 
he  is  more  spoken  of  beyonde  the  see,  moe  bookes  made 
of  his  noble  actes,  than  there  be  in  Englond,  as  wel  in 
Duche,  Ytalyen,  Spanysshe,  and  Grekysshe,  as  in  Frensshe. 
And  yet  of  record  remayne  in  wytnesse  of  hym  in  Wales, 
in  the  toune  of  Camelot,  the  grete  stones  and  mervayllous 
werkys  of  yron  lyeing  under  the  grounde,  and  ryal  [royal] 
vautes  [vaults],  which  dyvers  now  lyvyng  hath  seen.  .  .  . 
Thenne  al  these  thynges  forsayd  aledged,  I  coude  not  wel 
denye  but  tfiat  ttiere  was  suche  a  noble  kyng  named  Arthur" 
and  so  finally  he  proceeds  to  "enprynte  a  book  of  the 
noble  hystoryes  of  the  sayd  kynge  Arthur,  and  of  certeyn 
of  his  knyghtes,  after  a  copye  unto  me  delyvered,  whychc 
copye  syr  Thomas  Malorye  dyd  take  oute  of  certeyn 
bookes  of  Frensshe  and  reduced  it  into  Englysshe." 

And  so,  after  running  over  England  and  France,  in  the 
twelfth  century  like  a  Scott's-novel  in  the  nineteenth ; 
after  growing,  branching  into  new  tales,  absorbing  ne^ 


xx  Introduction. 


heroes,  embodying  new  ideas,  employing  new  writers,  and 
delighting  whole  countries,  through  Wace,  Map,  Layamon, 
f  Gaimar,  de  Borron,  and  many  other  authors,  until  the 
/    latter  part  of  the  fifteenth  century  :  all  the  separate  sto- 
l    ries  originating  in  Geoffrey's  history  are  brought  together 
\  and  moulded  into  one  work,  with  a  sort  of  beginning,  a 
>plot,  and  a  crisis,  by  Sir  Thomas  Malory,  who  may  thus, 
5  with  but  little  strain,  be  said  to  have  written  the  first 
1  English  novel.     And  his  modifications  and  general  treat- 
1  ment  of  his  material  —  of  which  no  details  can  be  given 
V  here  —  suffice,  I  think,  to  give  him  a  claim  to  this  book, 
iiot  as  a  mere  compilation,  but   as  a  work  in  which  so 
much  of  himself  is  mingled  that  it  is  largely,  and  in  some 
of  its  best  features,  his  own.     This  is  indeed  almost  a 
peculiar  circumstance   characterizing  the  successive  im- 
provements of  the  Arthurian  story  as  it  comes  on  down 
the  ages.     We  might  fairly  trace  the  growth  of  English 
civilization  by  comparing  with  the  earliest  conceptions  of 
yKing  Arthur  the  latest  ideal  of  him  in  our  literature  given 
is  by  our  own  great  master  Tennyson.     It  is  interesting  to 
recall  here  that  Milton  at  first  chose  the  Arthurian  story 
make  a  great  poem  of,  and  dearly  cherished  the  idea  ; 
>ut  the  troublous  times  long  prevented  any  great  work, 
knd  he  finally  found  the  larger  theme  of  Paradise  Lost. 


now,  —  when  four  hundred  years  after  Caxton 
printed  this  book  for  "  many  noble  and  divers  gentlemen  of 
this  realm  of  England,"  you  find  a  later  editor  re-arranging 
the  old  grown-people's  story  for  many  noble  and  divers 
boys  both  of  England  and  America,  —  perhaps  the  fore- 
gping  account  may  justify  you  in  a  certain  sense  of  proud 
responsibility  as  you  recall  the  question  with  which  I 
began  this  long  inquiry. 


Introduction.  xxi 


No  book  ever  needed  less  pointing-out  of  its 
faults  and  beauties  than  this  frank  work  of  a  soul  so  trans- 
parent  that  one  is  made  to  think  of  the  Wakulla  Spring  in 
Florida  where  one  can  see  a  penny  on  the  bottom  at  a 
hundred  feet  depth.  I  will  but  ask  you  to  observe  spe- 
cially the  majestic  "lanb™0^  ^  <;i'r  T  flMnrplot  ^nrinpr  thos^ 
dolorous  last  days  when  King  Arthur,  under  the  frenzied 
advice  of  Sir  Gawaine,  bringslwo_grjf 


sioji_ta_besiege  Joyous  Card.  Day  after  day  Gawaine, 
and  sometimes  Arthur,  call  out  the  vilest  taunts  and  dares 
and  accusations  over  the  walls  ;  but  ever  Sir  Launcelot, 
though  urged  even  by  his  own  indignant  followers  within, 
replies  with  a  grave  and  lordly  reasonableness  which 
shames  his  enemies  beyond  measure  :  twice  he  fights  a 
great  single-handed  battle  with  Sir  Gawaine,  and,  although 
Gawaine  is  miraculously  helped,  wounds  him  sorely,  yet 
spares  his  life  ;  he  charges  his  knights  to  be  still  loyal  to 
King  Arthur,  and  to  do  the  king  no  hurt,  upon  pain  of 
death  ;  and  one  day  in  a  general  engagement  when  King 
Arthur  is  unhorsed  Sir  Launcelot  himself  flies  to  the 
rescue,  places  the  king  on  horseback  again,  and  sees  him 
safe,  with  perfect  tenderness  and  loyalty.  Larger  j>e- 

literature. 


is  not  shown  us  anywhere  in  English  literature. 
And  from  this  point  on,  the  pictures  of  the  passing  of 
Arthur,  of  Launcelot  grovelling;  on  the  tnmh  of  the  king, 
of  Launcelot's  own  strange  departure,  and  of  SirEctor 
lamentingSir  LaunceloTand  describing  that  great  loiight 

-  arA  nfmiigftf  wfrh    R    cimplo   art 


is^  as  perfect  as  artlessness.  In  the  Introduction  to  The 
Boy  s  Froissart  —  to  which  this  is  intended  as  a  companion- 
book  —  I  have  pointed  out  the  proper  relation  of  this  work 
as  a  picture  of  times  and  manners,  and  have  discussed 
old  and  the  modern  knight.  I  will  therefore  a3d  but  a  brief 


xxii  Introduction. 


explanation  of  the  manner  in  which  I  have  brought  for- 
ward the  old  text. 

^  Every  word  in  the  book,  except  those  which  occur  in 
''^brackets,  is  Malory's,  unchanged  except  that  the  spelling 
^  is  modernized.  Of  the  bracketed  words,  there  are  two 
sorts,  fulfilling  different  functions :  those  in  italics  are 
always  in  explanation  of  the  word  or  phrase  immediately 
before ;  while  those  not  italicised  are  the  editor's,  being 
connective  clauses  in  which  I  have  a  few  times  found  it 
convenient  to  preserve  the  thread  of  a  story  which  could 
not  be  given  entire.  I  have  also  changed  the  division 
into  books,  from  Caxton's  wholly  unreasonable  arrange- 
ment of  twenty-one,  to  six,  each  mainly  occupied  with 
adventures  turning  upon  the  hero  or  event  which  names 
it. 

Into  the  fine  fellowship,  then,  of  lordly  Sir  Launcelot, 
of  generous  Sir  Tristram,  of  stainless  Sir  Galahad,  of 
gentle  Sir  Percival,  of  meqk  Sir  Gareth  ot  Orkney r  of 
brilliant  Sir  Palamides  the  Saracen,  of  dolorous  Sir 
Balin  and  Sir  Balan,  of  persevering  Sir  la  Cote  Mai 
Taile,  of  hilarious  Sir  Dinadan,  and  of  a  hundred  more,  — 
as  well,  alas !  as  into  the  ungentle  company  of  cowardly 
King  Mark,  of  traitorous  Sir  Mordred,  and  of  wicked 
Morgan  le  Fay,  —  I  commit  you,  with  feelings  so  like 
those  with  which  Caxton  closes  his  prologue  that  I  can- 
not help  applying  to  the  young  readers  of  this  work  his 
farewell  words  to  his  maturer  audience.  "And  for  to 
passe  the  tyme,  this  book  shal  be  plesaunte  to  rede  in, 
but  for  to  gyve  fayth  and  byleve  that  al  is  trewe  that  is 
contained  herin,  ye  be  at  your  lyberte ;  but  al  is  wryton 
for  our  doctryne,"  and  this  book  is  therefore  sent  forth 
"to  the  entente  that  noblemen  may  see  and  lerne  the 
i«ble  actes  of  chyvalrye,  the  jentyl  and  vertuous  dedea 


Introduction.  xxiii 


that  somme  knyghtes  used  in  tho  days,  by  whyche  they 
came  to  honour,  and  how  they  *hat  were  vyrious  were 
punysshed,  and  often  put  to  shame  and  rebuke,  humbly 
bysechying  al  noble  lordes  and  ladyes,  wyth  al  other  es- 
tates, of  what  estate  or  degree  they  been  of,  that  shal  see 
and  rede  in  this  sayd  book  *jid  werke,  that  they  take  the 
good  and  honest  actes  .•*  their  remembraunce,  and  to 
folowe  the  same." 

SIDNEY  LAMES. 

Mm  OctoW    «• 


CONTENTS. 


BOOK  I. 

OF  KING  ARTHUR. 

CHAPTER  I.  ^ 

Or  THE  BIRTH  OF  KING  ARTHUR,  AND  OF  HIS  NOURISHING,  AND 
OF  THE  DEATH  OF  KING  UTHKRPENDRAGON,  AND  HOW  ARTHUR 
WAS  CHOSEN  KING,  AND  OF  WONDERS  AND  MARVELS  OF  A 
SWORD  THAT  WAS  TAKEN  OUT  OF  STONE  BY  THK  SAID  ARTHUR,  I 

CHAPTER  II. 
How  KING  ARTHUR  PULLED  our  THK  SWORD  DIVERS  TIMES.       .       4 

CHAPTER  III. 
How  ARTHUR  WAS  CROWNED  KING,  AND  HOW  HE  MADE  OFFICERS,       6 

CHAPTER  IV. 

How  GRIFLET  WAS  MADE  KNIGHT,  AND  HOW  HE  JOUSTED  WITH  A 
KNIGHT .7 

CHAPTER  V. 

How  MERLIN  SAVED  KING  ARTHUR'S  LIFE,  AND  THREW  AN  EN- 
CHANTMENT UPON  KING  PELLINORE,  AND  MADE  HIM  TO  FALL 
ON  SLEEP •  9 

CHAPTER  VI. 

How  ARTHUR  BY  THE  MEAN  OF  MERLIN  GAT  EXCALIBUR  HIS 
SWORD  OF  THE  LADY  OF  THE  LAKE  ....  13 


xxvi  Contents. 


CHAPTER  VII.  PAGKt 

How  TIDINGS  CAME  TO  KING  ARTHUR  THAT  KING  RYENCE  HAD 
OVERCOME  ELEVEN  KINGS,  AND  HOW  HE  DESIRED  KING  ARTHUR'S 
BEARD  TO  PURFLE  [border}  HIS  MANTLE  .  .  .  16 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  A  DAMSEL  WHICH  CAME  GIRT  WITH  A  SWORD,  FOR  TO  FIND  A 
MAN  OF  SUCH  VIRTUE  TO  DRAW  IT  OUT  OF  THE  SCABBARD  .  ij 

CHAPTER   IX. 

How  BALIN,  ARRAYED  LIKE  A  POOR  KNIGHT,  PULLED  OUT  THE 
SWORD,  WHICH  AFTERWARD  WAS  CAUSE  OF  HIS  DEATH  .  .  19 

CHAPTER  X. 
How  THE  LADY  cv  THE  LAKE  DEMANDED  THE  KNIGHT'S  HEAD 

THAT  HAD  WON  THE   SWORD,  OR  THE  MAIDEN'S   HEAD          .          .        23 

CHAPTER  XI. 
How  MERLIN  TOLD  THE  ADVENTURE  OF  THE  DAMSEL     ...      24 

CHAPTER  XII. 

How  BALIN  WAS  PURSUED  BY  SIR  LANCEOR,  A  KNIGHT  OF  IRE- 
LAND, AND  HOW  BALIN  SLEW  HIM 25 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

How  A  DAMSEL  WHICH  WAS  IN  LOVE  WITH  LANCEOR,  SLEW  HER- 
SELF FOR  HIS  LOVE,  AND  HOW  BALIN  MET  WITH  HIS  BROTHER 

BALAN 27 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

How  A  DWARF  REPROVED  BALIN  FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  LANCEOR, 
AND  HOW  KING  MARK  OF  CORNWALL  FOUND  THEM,  AND  MADE 

A  TOMB  OVER  THEM 28 

CHAPTER  XV. 

How  MERLIN  PROPHESIED  THAT  BALIN  SHOULD  STRIKE  THE  DO- 
LOROUS STROKE 30 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

How  BALIN  AND  HIS  BROTHER  BY  THE  COUNSEL  OF  MERLIN  TOOK 
KING  RYENCE,  AND  BROUGHT  HIM  TO  KING  ARTHUR  ...  31 


Contents.  xxvii 


CHAPTER  XVII.  pAa 

How  KING  ARTHUR  HAD  A  BATTLE  AGAINST  NERO  AND  KING 
LOT,  AND  HOW  TWELVE  KINGS  WERE  SLAIN 33 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

OF  THE  INTERMENT  or  TWELVE  KINGS,  AND  OF  THE  PROPHECY 
OF  MERLIN,  AND  HOW  BALIN  SHOULD  GIVE  THE  DOLOROUS 
STROKE 35 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

How  A  SORROWFUL  KNIGHT  CAME  BEFORE  KING  ARTHUR,  AND 
HOW  BALIN  FETCHED  HIM,  AND  HOW  THAT  KNIGHT  WAS  SLAIN 
BY  A  KNIGHT  INVISIBLE  .........  y 

CHAPTER  XX. 
How  THE  DAMSEL  BLED  FOR  THE  CUSTOM  OF  A  CASTLS.       .       .     39 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
How  BALIN  MET  WITH  THE  KNIGHT  NAMED  GARLON  AT  A  FEAST, 

AND  THERE  HE  SLEW  HIM  TO  HAVE  HIS  BLOOD  TO  HEAL  THERE- 
WITH THE  SON  OF  HIS  HOST 40 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

How  BALIN  FOUGHT  WITH  KING  PF.LI.AM,  AND  HOW  HIS  SWORD 
BRAKE,  AND  HOW  HE  GAT  A  SPEAR  WHEREWITH  HE  SMOTE  THE 
DOLOROUS  STROKE 42 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

How  BALIN  MET  WITH  HIS  BROTHER  BALAN,  AND  HOW  EACH  OF 
THEM  SLEW  OTHER  UNKNOWN,  TILL  THEY  WERE  WOUNDED  TO 
DEATH 43 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

How  KING  ARTHUR  TOOK  AND  WEDDED  GUENEVER  UNTO  HIS 
WIFE 46 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

How  THE  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  ROUND  TABLE  WERE  ORDAINED,  AND 
HOW  THEIR  SIEGES  [seats}  WERE  BLESSED  BY  THE  ARCHBISHOP 
OF  CANTERBURY V 


xxviii  Contents. 


BOOK    II. 
OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  DU  LAKE. 

CHAPTER   I.  fAQfc 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  LIONEL  DEPARTED  FROM  THE  COURT 
FOR  TO  SEEK  ADVENTURES,  AND  HOW  SIR  LIONEL  LEFT  SlR 
LAUNCELOT  SLEEPING,  AND  WAS  TAKEN 50 

CHAPTER  II. 

HOW  SIR    ECTOR   FOLLOWED    FOR    TO    SEEK    SlR    LAUNCELOT,    AND 

HOW  HE  WAS  TAKEN  BY  SlR  TURQUINE 53 

CHAPTER  III. 

How  FOUR  QUEENS  FOUND  SIR  LAUNCELOT  SLEEPING,  AND  HOW 
BY  ENCHANTMENT  HE  WAS  TAKEN  AND  LED  INTO  A  CASTLE  .  54 

CHAPTER  IV. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  DELIVERED  BY  THE  MEANS  OF  A  DAM- 
SEL  56 

CHAPTER  V. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  RECEIVED  OF  KING  BAGDEMAGUS* 
DAUGHTER,  AND  HOW  HE  MADE  HIS  COMPLAINT  UNTO  HER 
FATHER 58 

CHAPTER  VI. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  BEHAVED  HIM  IN  A  TOURNAMENT,  AND  HOW 

HE  MET  WITH  SlR  TURQUINE  LEADING  AWAY  SlR  GAHERIS          „        60 

CHAPTER  VII. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  TURQUINE  FOUGHT  TOGETHER        .     63 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  SLEW  Two  GIANTS,  AND  MADE  A  CASTLE 
FREE 66 


Contents.  xxix 


CHAPTER  IX.  ttcm 

How  SIR  LAUNCRLOT  FOLLOWED  A  BRACKET  INTO  A  CASTLE, 
WHERE  AS  HE  FOUND  A  DEAD  KNIGHT,  AND  HOW  AFTER- 
WARD HE  WAS  REQUIRED  OF  A  DAMSEL  FOR  TO  HEAL  HER 
BROTHER .  .  •  .70 

CHAPTER  X. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  CAME  INTO  THE  CHAPEL  PERILOUS,  AND 
GAT  THERE  OF  A  DEAD  CORPSE  A  PIECE  OF  THE  CLOTH  AND  A 
SWORD 71 

CHAPTER  XI. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  A  LADY  RECOVERED  A 
FALCON,  BY  WHICH  HE  WAS  DECEIVED 75 

CHAPTER  XII. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  CAME   UNTO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT,  AND 

HOW  THERE  WERE  RECOUNTED  OF  HIS  NOBLE  FEATS  AND  ACTS,       fj 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  BECAME  MAD,  AND  LEAPED  FROM  A  WIN- 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

'NS'HAT  SORROW  QUEEN  GUENEVER  MADE  FOR  SIR  LAUNCKLOT,  AND 
HOW  HE  WAS  SOUGHT  BY  KNIGHTS  OF  HIS  KlN  .     80 

CHAPTER  XV. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  IN  ras  MADNESS  TOOK  A  SWORD,  AND  FOUGHT 
WITH  A  KNIGHT,  AND  AFTER  LEAPED  IN  A  BED  .     8a 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

H  sw  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  CARRIED  IN  A  HORSE-LITTER,  AND  HOW 
SIR  LAUNCELOT  RESCUED  SIR  BLIANT  HIS  HOST  ....     84 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  KNOWN  BY  DAME  ELAINE,  AND  HOW 
HE  WAS  BORNE  INTO  A  CHAMBER,  AND  AFTER  HEALED  BY  THE 
HOLY  GRAIL 88 


xxx  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XVIII.  pAiii 

OF  A  GREAT  TOURNAMENT  IN  THE  JOYOUS  ISLE,  AND  HOW  SIR 
PERCIVAL  FOUGHT  WITH  HIM  ;  HOW  EACH  OF  THEM  KNEW  OTHER, 

AND   OF  THEIR   GREAT    COURTESY,  AND    HOW   HIS    BROTHER    SlR 
ECTOR  CAME   UNTO   HIM,   AND  OF  THEIR  JOY  .  ...        90 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WITH  SIR  PERCIVAL  AND  SIR  ECTOR  CAME 

TO  THK  COURT,  AND  OF  THEIR  GREAT  JOY  OF  HIM       ...       94 


BOOK    III. 

OF  SIR  GARETH  OF  ORKNEY. 

CHAPTER  I. 

How  BEAUMAINS  CAME  TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT,  AND  DEMANDED 
THREE  PETITIONS  OF  KING  ARTHUR  .  ....  96 

CHAPTER   II. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  GAWAINE  WERE  WROTH  BECAUSE 
SIR  KAY  MOCKED  BEAUMAINS,  AND  OF  A  DAMSEL  WHICH 
DESIRED  A  KNIGHT  FOR  TO  FIGHT  FOR  A  LADY  ....  99 

CHAPTER   III. 
How  BEAUMAINS  DEMKED  THE  BATTLE,  AND  HOW  IT  WAS  GRANTED 

HIM,  AND  HOW   HE  DESIRED  TO   BE  MADE  KNIGHT  OF   SlR  LAUN- 
CELOT  ....  .  IOJ 

CHAPTER   IV. 

How  BEAUMAINS  DEPARTED,  AND  HOW  HE  GOT  OF  SIR  KAY  A  SPEAR 
AND  A  SHIELD,  AND  HOW  HE  JOUSTED  AND  FOUGHT  WITH  SIR 
LAUNCELOT *oa 

CHAPTER  V. 
How  BEAUMAINS  TOLD  TO  SIR  LAUNCELOT  HIS  NAME,  AND  HOW 

HE  WAS  DUBBED  KNIGHT  OF  SlR  LAUNCELOT,  AND  AFTER  OVER- 
TOOK THE  DAMSEL 104 


Contents.  jood 


CHAPTER  VI.  pAQfc 

HOW  SrR  BEAUMAINS  FOUGHT  WITH  THE   KNIGHT    OP    THE    BLACK 

LAWNS,  AND  HE  FOUGHT  SO  LONG  WITH  HIM  THAT  THE  BLACK 
KNIGHT  FILL  DOWN  AND  DIED 106 

CHAPTER  VII. 

How  THE  BROTHER  OF  THE  KNIGHT  THAT  WAS  SLAIN  MET  WITH 
Sni  BEAUMAINS,  AND  FOUGHT  WITH  S»  BEAUMAINS,  WHICH 

YIELDED  HIM  AT  THE  LAST         ...  ....      109 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
How  THE  DAMSEL  ALWAYS  REBUKED  SIR  BEAUMAINS,  AND  WOULD 

NOT    SUFFER    HIM    TO    SIT    AT    HER    TABLE,    BUT    CALLED    HIM 

KITCHEN  PAGE  .... in 

CHAPTER  IX. 
How  SIR  BEAUMAINS  SUFFERED  GREAT  REBUKES  OF  THE  DAMSEL, 

AND  HE  SUFFERED  IT  PATIENTLY  .  ....     112 

CHAPTER  X. 
How  Six  BEAUMAINS  FOUGHT  WITH  SIR  PERSANT  OF  I.VDE,  AND 

MADE  HIM  TO  BE  YIELDEN IIj 

CHAPTER  XI. 

How  THE  DAMSEL  AND  BEAUMAINS  CAME  TO  THE  SIEGE,  AND  CAME 
TO  A  SYCAMORE  TREE,  AND  THERE  BEAUMAINS  BLEW  A  HORN, 
AND  THEN  THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  RED  LAWNS  CAME  TO  FIGHT 

WITH  HIM    .  117 

CHAPTER  XII. 
How  THE  Two  KNIGHTS  MET  TOGETHER,  AND  OF  THEIR  TALKING, 

AND  HOW  THEY  BEGAN  THEIR  BATTLE Iig 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

How  AJTER  LONG  FIGHTING  BEAUMAINS  OVERCAME  THE  KNIGHT, 
AND  WOULD  HAVE  SLAIN  HIM,  BUT  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE 
LORDS  HE  SAVED  HIS  LIFE,  AND  MADE  HIM  TO  YIELD  HIM  TO 
THE  LADY ...  121 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

How  THE  KNIGHT  YIELDED  HIM,  AND  HOW  BEAUMAINS  MADE  HIM 
TO  GO  UNTO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT,  AND  TO  CRY  SIR  LAUNCELOT 
MERCY 124 


xxxii  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XV.  rAGEi 

How  SIR  GARKTH,  OTHERWISE  CALLED  BEAUMAINS,  CAME  TO  THK 
PRESENCE  OF  HIS  LADY,  AND  HOW  THEY  TOOK  ACQUAINTANCE, 

AND  07  THEIR  LOVE Ill 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

How  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  PENTECOST  ALL  THE  KNIGHTS  THAT  SIR 
GARETH  HAD  OVERCOME  CAME  AND  YIELDED  THEM  UNTO  KING 
ARTHUR 133 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
How  THE  QUEEN  OF  ORKNEY  CAME  TO  THIS  FEAST  OF  PENTECOST, 

AND  INQUIRED  OF  HER  SON  SlR  GARETH IJ5 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

How  KING  ARTHUR  SENT  FOR  THE  LADY  LYONESS,  AND  HOW  SIR 
GARETH  ACKNOWLEDGED  THAT  THEY  LOVED  EACH  OTHER  TO 
KING  ARTHUR,  AND  OF  THE  DAY  OF  THEIR  WEDDING  .  .  137 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

OF  THE  GREAT  ROYALTY  AND  WHAT  OFFICERS  WERE  MADE  AT  THR 
FEAST  OF  SIR  GARETH  AND  DAME  LYONESS'  WEDDING,  AND  OF 
THE  GREAT  JOUSTING  AT  THE  SAME  FEAST  AND  WEDDING  .  140 


BOOK   IV. 

OF  SIR  TRISTRAM. 

CHAPTER  I. 

How   SIR  TRISTRAM   DE   LYONESSE  WAS   BORN,  AND   HOW  HIS 
MOTHER  DESIRED  THAT  HIS  NAME  SHOULD  BE  TRISTRAM  .       . 

CHAPTER  II. 

[How  THE  STEPMOTHER  OF  YOUNG  TRISTRAM  WOULD  HAVE  POI- 
SONED HIM,  AND  HOW  HE  DELIVERED    HER   FROM  THE  FlRE,  OF 

HIS  GREAT  FORGIVENESS]. 


Contents.  xxxiii 

CHAPTER  IIL  nrm 

How  Snt  TMSTKAM  WAS  SECT  rarro  FKAJTCK,  AHD  HAD  on  ID 


CHAPTER  IV. 


CHAPTER  V. 

OV  COKVWAU,  AHD  BOW  BK  WAS  MAM  KxiGHT  .         .     159 

CHAPTER  VI. 

BATTLX  WITH  Snt  MAKHAOS ..153 

CHAPTER  VIL 


How  Snt  T 


HIS  BATTUE,  AMD  BOW  Snt  KABBAH*  FIXD  TO  BIS  SHHS  .      .    154 

CHAPTER  VIH. 
Row  Snt  MAKBAOS,  Arm  HK  WAS  AXXITXD  m  TMTAWI^  raxo  or 


CHAPTER  DL 
How  Snt  TUSTKAM  WAS  nrr  TO  THK  K 


CHAPTER  X, 
How  Snt  TUSTKAX  wow  THK  DKGKKK  AT  A  TOUKXAXKVT  nr  IKB- 

YKAK 

CHAPTER  XL 
How  THK  QDKKV  KSHKD  THAT  Snt  TKISTKAIC  HAD 


xxxiv  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XII.  PAGK> 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEPARTED  FROM  KING  ANGUISH  AND  LA 
BELLE  ISOLDE  OUT  OF  IRELAND  FOR  TO  COME  INTO  CORNWALL.  164 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

How  KING  MARK  SENT  SIR  TRISTRAM  FOR  LA  BELLE  ISOLDE 
TOWARD  IRELAND,  AND  HOW  BY  FORTUNE  HE  ARRIVED  INTO 
ENGLAND  ...  167 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

How  KING  ANGUISH  OF  IRELAND  WAS  SUMMONED  TO  COMB  UNTO 
KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT  FOR  TREASON 168 

CHAPTER  XV. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  FOUGHT  FOR  SIR  ANGUISH,  AND  OVERCAME 
HIS  ADVERSARY,  AND  HOW  HIS  ADVERSARY  WOULD  NEVER  YIELD 

HIM 170 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
How  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEMANDED  LA  BELLE  ISOLDE  FOR  KING  MARK, 

AND  OF  THE  WEDDING  OF  KlNG  MARK  TO  LA  BELLE  ISOLDE     .     173 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEPARTED  FROM  TINTAGIL,  AND  HOW  HE  SOR- 
ROWED, AND  WAS  SO  LONG  IN  A  FOREST  TILL  HE  WAS  OUT  OF 

HIS  MIND 174 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  SOUSED  DAGONET  IN  A  WELL,  AND  HOW  HE 
SLEW  A  GIANT 175 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

How  KING  MARK  FOUND  SIR  TRISTRAM  NAKED,  AND  MADE  HIM  TO 
BE  BORNE  HOME  TO  TlNTAGIL,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  THERE  KNOWN 
BY  A  BRACKET 177 

CHAPTER  XX. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  CAME  INTO  ENGLAND,  AND  JOUSTED  WITH 
KING  ARTHUR  AND  SIR  LAUNCELOT  so  WORTHILY  THAT  THE 
PRIZE  WAS  GIVEN  TO  HIM;  AND  HOW  KlNG  ARTHUR  MADE  HIM 
KNIGHT  OF  THE  ROUND  TABLE 180 


Contents.  xxxv 


CHAPTER  XXI.  PACB> 

How  A  YOUNG  MAN  CAME  INTO  THE  COURT  OF  KING  ARTHUR, 
AND  HOW  Sim  KAY  CALLED  HIM  IN  SCORN,  LA  COTE  MAL 
TAIL* "  .  .  .  .  .  .183 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
How  A  DAMSEL  CAME  UNTO  THE  COURT  AND  DESIRED  A  KNIGHT 

TO  TAKE  ON  HIM  AN  INQUEST,  WHICH  LA  COTE  MAL  TAILS  KM- 
PEISED.          .          ... 185 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

How  SIR  LA  COTE  MAL  TAILE  OVERTHREW  SIR  DAGONET,  KING 
ARTHUR'S  FOOL,  AND  OF  THE  REBUKE  THAT  HE  HAD  OF  THE 
DAMSEL 187 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
How  LA  COTE  MAL  TAILE  FOUGHT  AGAINST  AN  HUNDRED  KNIGHTS, 

AND  HOW  HE  ESCAPED  BY  THE  MEAN  OF  A  LADY          ...     189 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  CAME  TO  THE  COURT  AND  HEARD  OF  SIR  LA 
COTE  MAL  TAILE,  ANB  HOW  HE  FOLLOWED  AFTER  HIM,  AND 
HOW  SIR  LA  COTE  MAL  TAILE  WAS  PRISONER  .  .  .  192 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT  WITH  six  KNIGHTS,  AND  AFTER 

THAT  HE  FOUGHT    WITH    SlR    BRIAN,  AND    HOW    HE    DELIVERED 
ALL  THE  PRISONERS 194 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 
How  Snt  LAUNCELOT  MET  WITH  THE  DAMSEL  NAMED  MALEDISANT, 

AND  HOW  HE  NAMED  HER  THE  DAMSEL  BlENPENSANT  .          .     196 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
How  LA  COTE  MAL  TAILE  WAS  TAKEN  PRISONER,  AND  AFTER 

RESCUED  BY  SlR  LAUNCELOT,  AND    HOW  SlR    LAUNCELOT    OVER- 
CAME FOUR  BRETHREN 199 


xxxvi  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XXIX.  PAGB> 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  MADE  LA  COTE  MAL  TAILE  LORD  OF  THE 
CASTLE  OF  PENDRAGON,  AND  AFTER  HE  WAS  MADE  KNIGHT  OF 
THE  ROUND  TABLE  . 202 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

How,  FOR  THE  DESPITE  OF  SIR  TRISTRAM,  KING  MARK  CAME 
VITH  Two  KNIGHTS  INTO  ENGLAND,  AND  HOW  DAGONET,  KING 
ARTHUR'S  FOOL,  PUT  HIM  TO  FLIGHT 203 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

How  KING  ARTHUR  MADE  KING  MARK  TO  BE  ACCORDED  WITH  SIR 
TRISTRAM,  AND  HOW  THEY  DEPARTED  TOWARD  CORNWALL.  .  205 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 
How  AT  A  GREAT  FEAST  THAT  KING  MARK  MADE,  AN  HARPER 

CAME  AND  SANG  THE  LAY  THAT  DlNADAN  HAD  MADE.          .          .     207 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

How  KING  MARK  SLEW  BY  TREASON  HIS  BROTHER  BOUDWINE  FOR 
GOOD  SERVICE  THAT  HE  HAD  DONE  TO  HIM 208 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

How  ANGLIDES,  BOUDWINE'S  WIFE,  ESCAPED  WITH  HER  YOUNG 
SON  ALISANDER  LORFELIN,  AND  CAME  TO  THE  CASTLE  OF  ARUN- 

DEL ....     210 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 
How  ANGLIDES  GAVE  THE  BLOODY  DOUBLET  UNTO  ALISANDEB  HER 

SON   THE   SAME   DAY  THAT    HE    WAS    MADE    KNIGHT,    AND    THE 

CHARGE  WITHAL aia 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

How  SIR  ALISANDER  WON  THE  PRIZE  AT  A  TOURNAMENT,  AND  OF 
MORGAN  LE  FAY.  AND  HOW  HE  FOUGHT  WITH  SIR  MALGRIN 
AND  SLEW  HIM 2IJ 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 
How  QUEEN  MORGAN  LE  FAY  HAD  SIR  ALISANDER  IN  HER  CASTLE. 

AND  HOW  SHE  HEALED  HIS  WOUNDS        ......     2l8 


Contents.  xxxvii 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII.  PACB 

How  SIR  ALISANDER  WAS  DELIVERED  FROM  QUEEN  MORGAN  LE 
FAY  BY  THE  MEANS  OF  A  DAMSEL.       .  .       .       .    720 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 
How  ALISANDER  MET  WITH  ALICE  LA  BELLE  PILGRIM,  AND  ROW 

HE  JOUSTED  WITH  TWO  KNIGHTS;    AND  AFTER   OF  HIM    AND   OF 

SIR  MORDRED 229 

CHAPTER  XL. 
How  SIR  TRISTRAM  MET  WITH  SIR  DINADAN,  AND  OF  THEIR  DB- 

VICKS,  AND  WHAT  HE  SAID  UNTO  SIR  GAWAINE'S  BRETHREN        .     22$ 

CHAPTER  XLI. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  SMOTE  DOWN  SIR  AGRAVAINE  AND  SIR  GAHE- 
RIS,  AND  HOW  SIR  DINADAN  WAS  SENT  FOR  BY  LA  BELLI 
ISOLDE 229 

CHAPTER  XLII. 

How  SIR  DINADAN  MET  WITH  SIR  TRISTRAM,  AND  WITH  JOUSTING 
WITH  SIR  PALAMIDES  SIR  DINADAN  KNEW  HIM  .  .  .  .  132 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 

HOW  THEY  APPROACHED  THE  CASTLE  OF  LONAZEP,  AND  OF  OTHER 
DEVICES  OF  THE  DEATH  OF  SIR  LAMORAK 255 

CHAPTER  XLIV. 

HOW    THEY    CAME   TO    HUMBER    BANK,  AND    HOW  THEY    FOUND   A 

SHIP  THERE,  WHEREIN   LAY  THE  BODY  OF  KlNG  HERMANCK        .     238 

CHAPTER  XLV. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  WITH  HIS  FELLOWSHIP  CAME  AND  WERE  WITH 
AN  HOST  WHICH  AFTER  FOUGHT  WITH  SIR  TRISTRAM;  AND 
OTHER  MATTERS 240 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 

How  SIR  PALAMIDES  WENT  FOR  TO  FIGHT  WITH  Two  BRETHREN 
FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  KING  HERMANCE 244 


xxxviii  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XLVII.  ,AGfc 

THE  COPY  OF  THE  LETTER  WRITTEN  FOR  TO  REVENGE  THE  KING'S 
DEATH,  AND  HOW  SIR  PALAMIDES  FOUGHT  FOR  TO  HAVE  THE 
BATTLE 246 

CHAPTER  XLVII  I. 
OF  THE  PREPARATION  OF  SIR  PALAMIDES  AND  THE  Two  BRETHREN 

THAT  SHOULD  FIGHT  WITH  HIM 249 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 
OF  THE  BATTLE  BETWEEN  SIR  PALAMIDES  AND  THE  Two  BRETHREN, 

AND   HOW  THE  TWO  BRETHREN   WERE  SLAIN  ....      2$* 

CHAPTER  L. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  SIR  LAUNCELOT,  WITH  SIR  PALAMIDES, 
CAME  TO  JOYOUS  CARD,  AND  OF  SlR  PALAMIDES  AND  OF  SlR 
TRISTRAM 255 

CHAPTER  LI. 

HOW  THERE  WAS  A  DAY  SET  BETWEEN  SlR  TRISTRAM  AND  SlR 
PALAMIDES  FOR  TO  FIGHT,  AND  HOW  SIR  TRISTRAM  WAS  HURT,  257 

CHAPTER   LII. 

How  THAT  SIR  PALAMIDES  KEPT  HIS  DAY  FOR  TO  HAVE  FOUGHTEN, 
BUT  SIR  TRISTRAM  MIGHT  NOT  COME 259 

CHAPTER   LIII. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  DEPARTED  UNARMED,  AND  MET  WITH  Snt 
PALAMIDES,  AND  HOW  SIR  PALAMIDES  FORBORE  HIM  ...  260 

CHAPTER  LIV. 
How  THAT  SIR  TRISTRAM  GAT  HIM  HARNESS  OF  A  KNIGHT  WHICH 

WAS  HURT,  AND  HOW  HE  OVERTHREW  SlR  PALAMIDES  .          .     262 

CHAPTER  LV. 
How  SIR  TRISTRAM  AND  SIR  PALAMIDES  FOUGHT  LONG  TOGETHER, 

AND  AFTER  ACCORDED;  AND  HOW  SlR  TRISTRAM   MADE   HIM   TO 

BE  CHRISTENED 264 

CHAPTER  LVI. 

How  KING  MARK  SLEW  SIR  TRISTRAM  BY  TREACHERY,  AND  LA 
I!;:LLE  ISOLDE  DIED  OF  GRIEF 266 


Contents.  xxxb 


BOOK    V. 
OF  SIR  GALAHAD  AND  SIR  PERCIVAL. 

CHAPTER  L  ^ 

Bow  THE  LETTTXS  WERE  FOUND  WRII-IEN  m  THZ  SIEGE  PERIL- 
OUS, AND  or  THE  MARVELLOUS  ADVENTURE  OP  THK  SWORD  IN  A 
STONE 267 

CHAPTER  IL 

[How  AN  OLD  MAX]  BROUGHT  SIR  GALAHAD  umo  THE  SIEGE 
PERILOUS,  AND  SET  HIM  THEREIN;  AND  HOW  KING  ARTHUR 
SHOWED  THE  STONE,  HOTING  ON  THE  WATER,  TO  GALAHAD,  AND 
HOW  HE  DREW  OUT  THE  SWORD 270 

CHAPTER  IIL 

How  THE  QUEEN  DESIRED  TO  SEE  SIR  fiATj^Aii,  AND  HOW,  AFTER, 
ALL  THE  KNIGHTS  WERE  REPLENISHED  WITH  THE  HOLY  GRAIL, 
AND  HOW  THEY  AVOWED  THE  INQUEST  OP  THE  SAKE  ...  273 

CHAPTER  IV. 

How  GREAT  SORROW  WAS  MADE  OP  THE  KING  AND  THE  QUEEN 
AND  LADIES  FOR  THE  DEPARTING  OF  THE  KNIGHTS,  AND  HOW 

THEY  DEPARTED  ...........     175 

CHAPTER  V. 
How  SIR  GALAHAD  GAT  HIM  A  SHIELD,  AND  HOW  THEY  SPED  THAT 

PRESUMED  TO  TAEE  DOWN  THAT  SHIELD 2f7 

CHAPTER  VI. 
How  GALAHAD  DEPARTED  WITH  THE  SHIELD,  AND  HOW  KING 

EVELAKE    HAD    RECEIVED    THE    SHIELD    OF    JOSEPH    OP  ARJMA- 
THEA 275 

CHAPTER  VIL 
How  SIR  GALAHAD  FOJGHT  WITH  THE  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  CASTLE, 

AND  DESTROYED  THE  WICKED  CUSTOM  .          .  .     &\ 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  VIII.  ^ 

How  SIR  GALAHAD  MET  WITH  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  WITH  SIR 
PERCIVAL,  AND  SMOTE  THEM  DOWN,  AND  DEPARTED  FROM  THEM,    285 

CHAPTER   IX. 
How  SIR  PERCIVAL  RODE  A  FIEND  IN  THE  SHAPE  OF  A  HORSE, 

AND  HOW  HE  SAW  A  SERPENT  AND  A  LlON  FIGHT         .          .          .     286 

CHAPTER  X. 

OF  WONDERS  AND  MARVELS  OF  A  SHIP,  AND  OF  A  SWORD 
SIR  GALAHAD  FOUND  THEREIN 


CHAPTER  XI. 
How  KING  PKLLXS  WAS  SMITTEN  THROUGH  BOTH  THIGHS  BECAUSE 

HE  DREW  THE  SWORD,  AND  OTHER  MARVELLOUS  HISTORIES         .     29! 

CHAPTER  XII. 
How  SOLOMON  TOOK  DAVID'S  SWORD  BY  THE  COUNSEL  OF  HIS 

WIFE,  AND  OF  OTHER  MATTERS  MARVELLOUS       '  .          .          .          .     293 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
OF  THE  WONDERFUL  TALK  OF  KING  SOLOMON  AND  HIS  WIFE      .    295 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  ENTERED  INTO  THE  SHIP  WHERE  SIR  PER- 
CIVAL'S  SISTER  LAY  DEAD,  AND  HOW  HE  MET  WITH  SIR  GALA- 
HAD HIS  SON 298 

CHAPTER  XV. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  NIGH  THE  SANCGREAL,  BUT  WAS  DRIVEN 

FORTH  FROM  IT,  WITH  TERRORS  AND  WONDERS    ....     JOO 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

How  SIR  GALAHAD  ACHIEVED  THE  SANCGREAL,  AND  WAS  TAKEN 
UP  INTO  HEAVEN 303 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
How  SIR  PERCIVAL  DIED,  AND  SIR  BORS  RETURNED  TO  CAMELOT.    304 


Contents.  xli 


BOOK    VI. 
OF  THE  DEATH  OF  ARTHUR. 

CHAPTER  I.  FACE^ 

How  QUEEN  GUENEVER  WAS  APPEALED  OF  MURDERING  A  KNIGHT,    305 

CHAPTER  II. 

How  SIR  MADOR  IMPEACHED  THE  QUEEN  OF  TREASON,  AND  THERE 
WAS  NO  KNIGHT  WHO  WOULD  FIGHT  FOR  HER  AT  THE  FIRST 

TIME 307 

CHAPTER   III. 

How  THE  QUEEN  REQUIRED  SIR  BORS  TO  FIGHT  FOR  HER,  AND 
HOW  HE  GRANTED  HER  UPON  A  CONDITION,  AND  HOW  HB 
WARNED  SIR  LAUNCELOT  THEREOF.  ......  310 

CHAPTER  IV. 

How  AT  THE  DAY  SIR  BORS  MADE  HIM  READY  FOR  TO  FIGHT  FOR 
QUEEN  GUENEVER,  AND  HOW  ANOTHER  DISCHARGED  HIM  WHEN 

HE  SHOULD  FIGHT 313 

CHAPTER  V. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  FOUGHT  AGAINST  SIR  MADOR  FOR  THE 
QUEEN,  AND  HOW  HE  OVERCAME  SIR  MADOR  AND  DISCHARGED 
THE  QUEEN 315 

CHAPTER  VI. 

How  THE  TRUTH  WAS  KNOWN  BY  THE  DAMSEI  OF  THE  LAKE,  AND 

OF  DIVERS  OTHER  MATTERS 318 

CHAPTER  VII. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  RODE  TO  ASTOLAT,  AND  RECEIVED  A  SLEEVE 

TO  BEAR  UPON  HIS  HELM  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  A  MAID       .          .     y& 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

How  THE  TOURNAMENT  BEGAN  AT  WINCHESTER,  AND  WHAT 
KNIGHTS  WERE  AT  THE  JOUSTS,  AND  OF  OTHER  MATTERS  .  .  323 


xlii  Contents. 


CHAPTER  IX.  PACE< 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  LAVAINE  ENTERED  IN  THE  FIELD 

AGAINST  THEM  OF  KlNG    ARTHUR'S    COURT,  AND    HOW  LAUNCH- 
LOT  WAS  HURT 324 

CHAPTER  X. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  LAVAINE  DEPARTED  our  OF  THE 
FIELD,  AND  IN  WHAT  JEOPARDY  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  .  .  327 

CHAPTER  XI. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  BROUGHT  UNTO  AN  HERMIT  FOR  TO  BK 

HEALED  OF  HIS  WOUND,  AND  OF  OTHER  MATTERS  .     330 

CHAPTER  XII. 
How  SIR  GAWAINE  HAD  KNOWLEDGE  THAT  IT  WAS  SIR  LAUNCE- 

LOT  THAT  BARE  THE  RED  SLEEVE 333 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
How  FAIR  ELAINE  AND  SIR  BORS  FOUND  SIR  LAUNCELOT     .       .    335 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
OF  THE  GREAT  LAMENTATION  THAT  THE  FAIR  MAID  OF  ASTOLAT 

MADE    WHEN     SlR    LAUNCELOT    SHOULD    DEPART,  AND    HOW  SHE 
DIED  FOR  HIS  LOVE 338 

CHAPTER  XV. 

How  THE  CORPSE  OF  THE  FAIR  MAID  OF  ASTOLAT  ARRIVED 
BEFORE  KING  ARTHUR,  AND  OF  THE  BURYING,  AND  HOW  SIR 
LAUNCELOT  OFFERED  THE  MASS-PENNY 341 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

How  QUEEN  GUENEVER  RODE  ON  MAYING  WITH  CERTAIN  KNIGHTS 
OF  THE  ROUND  TABLE  CLOTHED  ALL  IN  GREEN  ....  343 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
How  SIR  MELIAGRANCE  TOOK  THE  QUEEN  AND  ALL  HER  KNIGHTS, 

WHICH  WERE  SORE  HURT  IN  FIGHTING 345 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  RODE  IN  A  CART  AND  RESCUED  THE  QUEEN,    347 


Contents.  xliii 


CHAPTER  XDL 

5:z  LA 


CHAPTER  XX. 

How  Sn  IjunKXLOT  VOCGKT  Sn  MXLIJUGXAMX 


CHAPTER  XXL 
How  Sa  UKXB  CAMK  mno  Krac  AnHinA  COOBT  ram.  TO  IB 


T^fg   JtatBjj  JNHD   ***P  •••w'fc   SOL    AWAY9  ^**^*   OP  TMJK  ^MTAKS 
TWIXT  HDf  AXD  KCCG  AXtHmt] 


CHAPTER  XXIIL 
Or  THK  CojanmcAnoer  BKrwxm  Krac  AKiH 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 
How  Knc  AiTHtnt  AJTO  Snt  GAWAEXK  MADB  A  GKKAT  Hacr 

KXADT  TO  60  OVBK  SKA  TO  MAKE  WAK  OBI  Stt  LATVCKLOT       .     ffij 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

How  Snt  GAWAOK  AMD  Snt  LAzntczuoT  ua>  BATTU  -«m^ii»» 
AMD  MOW  Snt  GAWADOK  WAS  OVKXTHBOWK  AMD  HVKT      .      .   jg» 

CHAPTER  XXVL 

Or  THX   SOUtOW  THAT  KlMG  AjCTHTi   U.VTE   ?:Z  TH2   W.OL   AXC 

•matx  AUSO   Sat  GAWAITC  HAD  THE 
..........   374 

CHAPTER  XXVIL 


xliv  Contents. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII.  FAOm> 

HOW  AFTER  THAT  KlNG  ARTHUR  HAD  TIDINGS,  HE  RETURNED  AND 
CAME  TO  DOVER,  WHERE  SlR  MORDRED  MET  HIM  TO  LET  HIS 
LANDING,  AND  OF  THE  DEATH  OF  SIR  GAWAINK  ....  380 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 
How  AFTER  SIR  GAWAINE'S  GHOST  APPEARED  TO  KING  ARTHUR, 

AND  WARNED  HIM  THAT  HE  SHOULD  NOT  FIGHT  THAT  DAY          .     383 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

How  BY  MISADVENTURE  OF  AN  ADDER  THE  BATTLE  BEGAN,  WHERE 
SIR  MORDRED  WAS  SLAIN  AND  KING  ARTHUR  WOUNDED  TO 
DEATH 385 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

How  KING  ARTHUR  COMMANDED  TO  CAST  HIS  SWORD  EXCALIBU* 
INTO  THE  WATER,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  DELIVERED  TO  LADIES  IN 
A  BARGE 388 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

How  SIR  BEDIVERE  FOUND  KING  ARTHUR  DEAD  ON  THE  MORROW 
IN  AN  HERMITAGE,  AND  HOW  HE  ABODE  THERE  WITH  THE  HER- 
MIT   391 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

How  WHEN  SIR  LAUNCELOT  HEARD  OF  THE  DEATH  OF  KINO 
ARTHUR  AND  OF  SIR  GAWAINE,  HE  CAME  INTO  ENGLAND  .  .  393 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  DEPARTED  TO  SEEK  THE  QUEEN  GUENXVEK, 

AND  HOW  HE  FOUND  HER  AT  ALMESBURY 394 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WENT  WITH  HIS  SEVEN  FELLOWS  TO  ALMES- 
BURY, AND  FOUND  THERE  QUEEN  GUENEVER  DEAD,  WHOM  THEY 
BROUGHT  TO  GLASTONBURY  .  397 


Contents.  xlv 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

How  Snt  LAUKCELOT  BEGAN  TO  SICKEN,  AXD  AJTO 
BODY  WAS  BOKNK  TO  JOYOUS  GAJLD  POK  TO  SB 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 
How  SIR  ECTOK  FOTCTD  Six  LA.UXCELOT  ms  BROTHXK  DEAD,  AMD 

HOW  COXSTA>TTNK  E-EIGKID  MIXT  ATTZK  KlMG  AXTHUX.  AKD  O» 

7HX  END  or  THIS  BOOK 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


How  Sot  TURQUDXE  BARE  Sot  ECTOR  CLEAN  oar  OP  HIS 

SADDLE Fnmtitfitct. 

How  ARTHUR  GAT  HIS  SWORD  EXCALIBUK    ....  14 

How  BALXX  SHOTS  THE  DOLOROUS  STROKE  ....  42 

THE  KNIGHT  or  THE  BLACK  LAWNS lot 

How  Sat  TRISTRAM  SOUSED  SIR  DAGOXET  nt  THE  WELL.  .  175 
How  ELIOT  THE  HARPER  SAKG  THE  LAY  THAT  DDCADAM 

HAD   HADE ZC7 

S»  G*t-AitATi  BROUGHT  TO  THE  SlEGE  PERILOUS.         .         .  271 

Sat  LAUNCELOT  AT  THE  CASTLE  OF  THE  HOLT  GRAIL       .  300 

THE  TOURNAMENT  AT  CAMELOT      ......  323 

QUEKSI  GUEKEVER'S  PERU. 360 

THE  COMBAT  or  MORDRED  AMD  KDTG  ARTHUR    ...  387 

How  BEDITERE  BARE  ARTHUR  TO  THE  WATERSIDE     .       .  390 


BOOK    I. 
OF  KING  ARTHUR. 


CHAPTER  L 

UF  THE   BOTH  OF   KCfG   AKTHUK,  AHD  OF   H 

THE  DEATH  or  Knc  UiHtmrntntjuxi*,  AXD  BOW  Axnont  WAS 
CBOSEX  KEIG,  An>  or  WOKDBBS  AW>  MAKYKLS  OF  A  SWOKD  THAT 

WAS  TAKES  OUT  OF  STORE  BY  THE  SAID  ASTHDK. 


I 


T  befell  in  the  days  of  the  noble  Utherpendragon, 
when  he  was  king  of  England,  [that  there  was  born 
to  him  a  son  who  in  after  time  was  King  Arthur.  How- 
beit  the  boy  knew  not  he  was  the  king's  son.  For  when 
he  was  but  a  babe]  the  king  commanded  two  knights  and 
two  ladies  to  take  the  child  bound  in  rich  doth  of  gold, 
"and  deliver  him  to  what  poor  man  you  meet  at  the 
postern  gate  of  the  castle."  So  the  child  was  delivered 
unto  Merlin,  and  so  he  bare  it  forth  unto  Sir  Ector,  and 
maH^  aw  holy  tnan  to  christeo  Viirn,  and  named  him 
Arthur;  and  so  Sir  Ector's  wife  nourished  him.  Then 
within  two  years  King  Uther  fell  sick  of  a  great  malady; 
[and  thereof  he  died].  Then  stood  the  realm  in  great 
[danger]  a  long  while,  for  every  lord  made  him  strong, 
-r.d  many  weened  \tkougkt\  to  have  been  king.  [And 
so,  by  Merlin's  counsel,  all  the  lords  of  F.nglanH  came 


The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


together  in  the  greatest  church  of  London  on  Christmas 
morn  before  it  was  day,  to  see  if  God  would  not  show 
by  some  miracle  who  should  be  king.]  And  when  the 
first  mass  was  done  there  was  seen  in  the  church-yard, 
against  the  high  altar,  a  great  stone  four-square,  like  to 
a  marble  stone,  and  in  the  midst  thereof  was  an  anvil  of 
steel,  a  foot  of  height,  and  therein  stuck  a  fair  sword 
naked  by  the  point,  and  letters  of  gold  were  written 
about  the  sword  that  said  thus :  WHO  so  PULLETH  OUT 

THIS  SWORD  OF  THIS  STONE  AND  ANVIL,  IS  RIGHTWISE 
KING  BORN  OF  ENGLAND. 

So  when  all  the  masses  were  done,  all  the  [lords]  went 
for  to  behold  the  stone  and  the  sword.  And  when  they 
saw  the  scripture,  some  assayed  \tried\  such  as  would 
have  been  king.  But  none  might  stir  the  sword  nor 
move  it. 

"  He  is  not  yet  here,"  said  the  archbishop,  "  that  shal1 
achieve  the  sword,  but  doubt  not  God  will  make  him  to 
be  known.  •  But  this  is  my  counsel,"  said  the  archbishop, 
"  that  we  let  purvey  [provide]  ten  knights,  men  of  good 
fame,  and  they  to  keep  this  sword." 

And  upon  New  Year's  day  the  barons  let  make  a  tour- 
nament for  to  keep  the  lords  together,  for  the  archbishop 
trusted  that  God  would  make  him  known  that  should  win 
the  sword.  So  upon  New  Year's  day  when  the  service 
was  done  the  barons  rode  to  the  field. 

And  so  it  happened  that  Sir  Ector  rode  to  the  jousts, 
and  with  him  rode  Sir  Kay,  his  son,  and  young  Arthur 
that  was  his  nourished  brother.  [But  Sir]  Kay  had  lost 
his  sword,  for  he  had  left  it  at  his  father's  Lodging,  and 
so  he  prayed  young  Arthur  to  ride  for  his  sword.  "  I 
will  with  a  good  will,"  said  Arthur,  and  rode  fast  aftu 
the  sword ;  and  when  he  came  home,  the  lady  and  all 


Of  King  Arthur. 


were  gone  out  to  see  the  jousting.  Then  was  Arthui 
wroth,  and  said  to  himself,  "  I  will  ride  to  the  church-yard 
and  take  the  sword  with  me  that  sticketh  in  the  stone, 
for  my  brother  Sir  Kay  shall  not  be  without  a  sword  this 
day."  And  so  when  he  came  to  the  church-yard  Arthur 
alighted,  and  tied  his  horse  to  the  stile,  and  so  went  to 
the  tent,  and  found  no  knights  there,  for  they  were  all 
at  the  jousting;  and  so  he  handled  the  sword  by  the 
handles,  and  lightly  and  fiercely  he  pulled  it  out  of  the 
stone,  and  took  his  horse  and  rode  his  way  till  he  came 
to  his  brother  Sir  Kay,  and  delivered  him  the  sword. 
And  as  soon  as  Sir  Kay  saw  the  sword,  he  wist  [knew] 
well  that  it  was  the  sword  of  the  stone,  and  so  he  rode 
to  his  father,  Sir  Ector,  and  said  :  "  Sir,  lo  here  is  the 
sword  of  the  stone ;  wherefore  I  must  be  king  of  this 
land."  When  Sir  Ector  beheld  the  sword,  he  returned 
again  and  came  to  the  church,  and  there  they  alighted, 
all  three,  and  went  into  the  church,  and  anon  he  made 
Sir  Kay  to  swear  upon  a  book  how  he  came  to  that  sword. 

"Sir,"  said  Sir  Kay,  "by  my  brother  Arthur,  for  he 
brought  it  to  me." 

"  How  gate  [got]  you  this  sword  ? "  said  Sir  Ector  to 
Arthur. 

"  Sir,  I  will  tell  you.  When  I  came  home  for  my  broth- 
er's sword,  I  found  nobody  at  home  for  to  deliver  me  his 
sword,  and  so  I  thought  iriy  brother  Sir  Kay  should  not 
be  swordless,%nd  so  I  came  thither  eagerly  and  pulled 
it  cut  of.  the  stone  without  any  pain." 

"  Found  ye  any  knights  about  this  sword  ? "  said  Sir 
Ector. 

"  Nay,"  said  Arthur. 

"  Now,"  said  Sir  Ector  to  Ajffifflf*^1 1  understand  that 
you  must  be  king  of  this  land.' 


The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


41  Wherefore  I  ? "  said  Arthur. 

"Sir,"  said  Ector,  "for  there  should  never  man  have 
drawn  out  this  sword  but  he  that  shall  be  rightwise  king 
of  this  land.  Now  let  me  see  whether  ye  can  put  the 
sword  there  as  it  was  and  pull  it  out  again." 

"  That  is  no  mastery,"  said  Arthur ;  and  so  he  put  it  in 
the  stone.  Therewith  Sir  Ector  assayed  to  pull  out  the 
sword,  and  failed. 


CHAPTER  II. 

How  KING  ARTHUR  PULLED  OUT  THE  SWORD  DIVERS  TIMES. 

NOW  assay,"  said  Sir  Ector  to  Sir  Kay.  And  anon 
he  pulled  at  the  sword  with  all  his  might  but  it 
would  not  be.  "Now  shall  ye  assay,"  said  Sir  Ector 
to  Arthur. 

"I  will  well,"  said  Arthur,  and  pulled  it  out  easily. 
And  therewithal  Sir  Ector  kneeled  down  to  the  earth,  and 
Sir  Kay. 

"  Alas,"  said  Arthur,  "  mine  own  dear  father  and  brother, 
why  kneel  ye  to  me  ? " 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  lord  Arthur,  it  is  not  so :  I  was  never 
your  father  nor  of  your  blood,  but  I  wote  [know]  well  ye 
are  of  an  higher  blood  than  I  weened  \thought\  ye  were." 
And  then  Sir  Ector  told  him  all.  Then  Arthur  made 
great  moan  when  he  understood  that  Sir  Ector  was  not 
his  father. 

"Sir,"  said  Ector  unto  Arthur,  "will  ye  be  my  good 
and  gracious  lord  when  ye  are  king  ? " 

"Else  were  I  to  blame,"  said  Arthur,  "for  ye  are  the 
man  in  the  world  that  I  am  most  beholding  [obliged]  to, 


Of  King  Artk*r. 


and  my  good  lady  and  mother  your  wife,  that  as  well  ax 
her  own  hath  fostered  and  kept  me.  And  if  ever  it  be 
God's  will  that  I  be  long,  as  ye  say,  ye  shall  desire  of  me 
what  I  may  do,  and  I  shall  not  fail  yon." 

"Sir,"  said  Sir  Ector,  "I  wffl  ask  no  more  of  yon  bv 
that  yon  wffl  make  my  son,  yonr  fostered  brother  Sir  Ka> 
seneschal  of  all  yonr  lands." 

"That  shall  be  done,  sir,"  said  Arthur,  "and  more  b> 
the  faith  of  my  body;  and  never  man  shall  have  thaV 
office  but  he  while  that  he  and  I  live." 

Therewithal  they  went  onto  the  archbishop,  and  told 
him  how  the  sword  was  achieved,  and  by  whom.  And 
upon  the  twelfth  day  all  the  barons  came  thither  for  to 
assay  to  take  the  sword.  But  there  afore  them  all,  there 
might  none  take  it  out  but  only  Arthur ;  wherefore  there 
were  many  great  lords  wroth,  and  said,  "It  was  great 
shame  unto  them  all  and  the  realm  to  be  governed  with  a 
boy  of  no  high  blood  born."  And  so  they  fell  out  at  that 
time,  that  it  was  put  off  till  Candlemas,  and  then  all  the 
barons  should  meet  there  again.  But  always  the  ten 
knights  were  ordained  for  to  watch  the  sword  both  day 
and  night ;  and  so  they  set  a  pavilion  over  the  stone  and 
the  sword,  and  five  always  watched.  And  at  Candlemas 
many  mere  great  lords  came  thither  for  to  have  won  the 
sword,  but  none  of  them  might  prevail  And  right  as 
Arthur  did  at  Christmas  he  did  at  Candlemas,  and  pulled 
out  the  sword  easily,  whereof  the  barons  were  sore  ag- 
grieved, and  put  it  in  delay  tin  the  high  feast  of  Easter. 
And  as  Arthur  sped  afore,  so  did  he  at  Easter ;  and  yet 
there  were  some  of  the  great  lords  had  indignation  that 
Arthur  should  be  their  long,  and  pot  it  off  in  delay  tut 
the  feast  of  Pentecost. 


The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  III. 

How  ARTHUR  WAS  CROWNED  KING,  AND  HOW  HE  MADE  OFFICERS. 

AND  at  the  feast  of  Pentecost  all  manner  of  men 
assayed  to  pull  at  the  sword  that  would  assay,  and 
none  might  prevail ;  but  Arthur  pulled  it  out  afore  all 
the  lords  and  commons  that  were  there,  wherefore  all  the 
commons  cried  at  once  :  "  We  will  have  Arthur  unto  our 
king ;  we  will  put  him  no  more  in  delay ;  for  we  all  see 
that  it  is  God's  will  that  he  shall  be  our  king,  and  who 
that  holdeth  against  it  we  will  slay  him."  And  there- 
withal they  kneeled  down  all  at  once,  both  rich  and  poor, 
and  cried  Arthur  mercy,  because  they  had  delayed  him  so 
long.  And  Arthur  forgave  it  them,  and  took  the  sword 
between  both  his  hands,  and  offered  it  upon  the  altar 
where  the  archbishop  was,  and  so  was  he  made  knight  of J 
the  best  man  that  was  there.  And  so  anon  was  the  coro- 
nation made,  and  there  was  he  sworn  to  the  lords  and 
commons  for  to  be  a  true  king,  to  stand  with  true  justice 
from  thenceforth  all  the  days  of  this  life.  Also  then  he 
made  all  lords  that  held  of  the  crown  to  come  in,  and  to 
do  service  as  they  ought  to  do.  And  many  complaints 
were  made  unto  King  Arthur  of  great  wrongs  that  were 
done  since  the  death  of  King  Uther,  of  many  lands  that 
were  bereaved  of  lords,  knights,  ladies  and  gentlemen. 
Wherefore  King  Arthur  made  the  lands  to  be  given  again 
unto  them  that  owned]  them.  When  this  was  done  that 
the  king  had  stablished  all  the  countries  about  London, 

1  "  Of  "  was  often  used  for  the  modern  by  in  Sir  Thomas  Malory's  time, 
and  is  still  so  used  upon  occasion.  "  Made  knight  of  the  best  man  "  thus 
means  made  knight  by  the  best  mart. 


Of  King  Artkxr. 


then  he  let  make  Sir  Kay  seneschal  of  England ;  and  Sir 
Bandwin  of  Britain  was  made  constable ;  and  Sir  Ulfius 
was  made  chamberlain ;  and  Sir  Brastias  was  made  war- 
den to  wait  upon  the  north  from  Trent  forwards,  for  it 
was  that  time  for  the  most  part  enemy  to  the  king. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

How  GKIFUT  WAS  MADE  KXICHT,  ASID  BOW  HK  JUC&IKU  WITH  A 
KXIGHT. 

THEN  on  a  day  there  came  into  the  court  a  squire  on 
horseback,  leading  a  knight  before  him  wounded  to 
the  death,  and  told  him  there  was  a  knight  in  the  forest 
that  had  reared  up  a  pavilion  by  a  well  \spri*g\  side,  "and 
hath  slain  my  master,  a  good  knight,  and  his  name  was 
Miles ;  wherefore  I  beseech  you  that  my  master  may 
buried,  and  that  some  good  knight  may  revenge  my  mas- 
ter's death."  Then  was  in  the  court  great  noise  of  the 
knight's  death,  and  every  man  said  his  advice.  Then 
came  Griflet,  that  was  but  a  squire,  and  he  was  but  young, 
of  the  age  of  King  Arthur,  so  he  besought  the  king,  for 
all  his  service  that  he  had  done,  to  give  him  the  order  of 
knighthood. 

"Thou  art  full  young  and  tender  of  age,"  said  King 
Arthur,  "for  to  take  so  high  an  order  upon  thee." 

"Sir,"  said  Griflet,  "I  beseech  yon  to  make  me  a 
knight," 

"Sir,"  said  Merlin,  "it  were  pity  to  leese  \hse\  Griflet, 
for  he  win  be  a  passing  good  man  when  he  cometh  to 
age,  abiding  with  you  the  term  of  his  life;  and  if  he 


8  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

adventure  his  body  with  yonder  knight  at  the  fountain, 
he  shall  be  in  great  peril  if  l  ever  he  come  again,  for  he  is 
one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  world,  and  the  strongest 
man  of  arms." 

"  Well,"  said  King  Arthur.  So,  at  the  desirej>f  .Qriflfit, 
the  king  made  him  knight.  £**^ 

"Now,"  said  King  Arthur  to  Sir  Griflet,  "sithen  [since] 
that  I  have  made  thee  knight,  thou  must  grant  me  a  gift." 

"  What  ye  will,  my  lord,"  said  Sir  Griflet. 

"  Thou  shalt  promise  me,  by  the  faith  of  thy  body,  that 
when  thou  hast  jousted  with  the  knight  at  the  fountain, 
whether  it  fall  [happen]  that  ye  be  on  foot  or  on  horse- 
back, that  in  the  same  manner  ye  shall  come  again  unto 
me  without  any  question  or  making  any  more  debate." 

"  I  will  promise  you,"  said  Griflet,  "  as  ye  desire." 
Then  Sir  Griflet  took  his  horse  in  great  haste,  and  dressed 
his  shield,  and  took  a  great  spear  in  his  hand,  and  so  he 
rode  a  great  gallop  till  he  came  to  the  fountain,  and 
thereby  he  saw  a  rich  pavilion,  and  thereby  under  a  cloth 
stood  a  fair  horse  well  saddled  and  bridled,  and  on  a 
tree  a  shield  of  divers  colors,  and  a  great  spear.  Then 
Sir  Griflet  smote  upon  the  shield  with  the  end  of  his 
spear,  that  the  shield  fell  down  to  the  ground. 

With  that  came  the  knight  out  of  the  pavilion,  and 
said,  "  Fair  knight,  why  smote  ye  down  my  shield  ? " 

"  For  I  will  joust  with  you,"  said  Sir  Griflet. 

"  It  were  better  ye  did  not,"  said  the  knight,  "  for  ye 
are  but  young  and  late  made  knight,  and  your  might  is 
nothing  to  mine." 

"As  for  that,"  said  Sir  Griflet,  "I  will  joust  with  you," 

"That  is  me  loth,"  said  the  knight,  "but  sith  [since]  I 

1  "  If  "  here  means  whether.  "  In  great  peril  if  ever  he  come  again  "  •  in 
great  danger  of  nrver  getting  back. 


Of  King  Arthur. 


must  needs,  I  will  dress  me  thereto;  but  of  whence  be 
ye?"  said  the  knight. 

"Sir,  I  am  of  King  Arthur's  court"  So  they  ran 
together  that  Sir  Griflet's  spear  all  to-shivered  [shivered 
all  to  pieces],  and  therewithal  he  smote  Sir  Griflet  through 
the  shield  and  the  left  side,  and  brake  the  spear,  that  the 
truncheon  stuck  in  his  body,  that  horse  and  knight  fell 
down. 

When  the  knight  saw  him  lie  so  on  the  ground  he 
alighted,  and  was  passing  heavy,  for  he  wend  [weened]  he 
had  slain  him,  and  then  he  unlaced  his  helm  and  got  him          , 
wind,  and  so  with  the  truncheon  he  set  him  on  his  horse,  ^^ 
and  betook  him  to  God,  and  said  he  had  a  mighty  heart, 
and   if  he   might  live   he  would  prove  a   passing   good 
knight.      And  so  Sir  Griflet  rode  to  the  court,  whereas 
great  moan  was  made  for  him.     But  through  good  leeches 
[surgeons]  he  was  healed  and  his  life  saved. 


CHAPTER  V. 

How  MERLIN  SAVED  KING  ARTHUR'S  LIFE,  AND  THREW  AN  ENCHANT- 
MENT  UPON  KING  PELLINORE,  AND  MADE  HIM  TO  FALL  ON  SLEEP. 

\ND  King  Arthur  was  passing  wroth  for  the  hurt  of 
Sir  Griflet.  And  by  and  by  he  commanded  a  man 
of  his  chamber  that  his  best  horse  and  armor  "  be  without 
the  city  or  [before]  to-morrow  day."  Right  so  in  the  morn- 
ing he  met  with  his  man  and  his  horse,  and  so  mounted 
up  and  dressed  his  shield,  and  took  his  spear,  and  bade 
his  chamberlain  tarry  there  till  he  came  again.  And  so 
King  Arthur  rode  but  a  soft  pace  till  it  was  day,  and  then 
was  he  ware  of  three  churls  which  chased  Merlin,  and 


lO  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

would  have  slain  him.  Then  King  Arthur  rode  unto 
them  a  good  pace,  and  cried  to  them:  "Flee,  churls." 
Then  were  they  afraid  when  they  saw  a  knight,  and  fled 
away.  "  O  Merlin,"  said  King  Arthur,  "  here  hadst  thou 
been  slain  for1  all  thy  craft,  had  I  not  been." 

"  Nay,"  said  Merlin,  "  not  so,  for  I  could  save  myself  if 
1  would,  and  thou  art  more  near  thy  death  than  I  am,  for 
thou  goest  toward  thy  death,  and2  God  be  not  thy  friend." 

So,  as  they  went  thus  talking,  they  came  to  the  foun- 
tain, and  the  rich  pavilion  by  it.  Then  King  Arthur 
was  ware  where  a  knight  sat  all  armed  in  a  chair.  "  Sir 
knight,"  said  King  Arthur,  "for  what  cause  abidest  thou 
here  ?  That  there  may  no  knight  ride  this  way  but  if  he 
do  joust  with  thee?"  said  the  king.  "I  rede  [advise] 
thee  leave  that  custom,"  said  King  Arthur. 

"  This  custom,"  said  the  knight,  "  have  I  used  and  will 
use,  maugre  [in  spite  of]  who  saith  nay ;  and  who  is 
grieved  with  my  custom,  let  him  amend  it  that  will." 

"  I  will  amend  it,"  said  King  Arthur. 

"And  I  shall  defend  it,"  said  the  knight.  Anon  he 
took  his  horse,  and  dressed  his  shield,  and  took  a  spear, 
and  they  met  so  hard  either  on  other's  shield,  that  they 
all  to-shivered  [shivered  all  to  pieces]  their  spears.  There- 
with King  Arthur  drew  his  sword.  "Nay,  not  so,"  said 
the  knight,  "it  is  fairer  that  we  twain  run  more  together 
with  sharp  spears." 

"I  will  well,"  said  King  Arthur,  "and  [if]  I  had  any 
mo  [more]  spears." 

"I  have  spears  enough,"  said  the  knight.  So  there 
came  a  squire,  and  brought  two  good  spears,  and  King 

'  "  For"  here  means  in  spite  of;  as  still  used,  in  certain  phrases. 
1  "  And  "  means  if,  here.    In  later  times  it  becomes  contracted  into  M  an," 
when  used  in  this  sense. 


Of  King  Arthur.  1 1 


Arthur  took  one  and  he  another.  So  they  sporreH  their 
horses,  and  came  together  with  all  their  mights,  that  either 
brake  their  spears  to  their  hands.  Then  Arthur  set  hand 
on  his  sword.  "Nay,"  said  the  knight,  "ye  shall  do 
better ;  ye  are  a  passing  good  jouster  as  ever  I  met  withal, 
and  for  the  love  of  the  high  order  of  knighthood  let  us 
joust  once  again." 

"I  assent  me,"  said  King  Arthur.  Anon  there  were 
brought  two  great  spears,  and  every  knight  gat  a  spear, 
and  therewith  they  ran  together  that  Arthur's  spear  all 
to-shivered.  But  the  other  knight  hit  him  so  hard  in 
midst  of  the  shield  that  horse  and  man  fell  to  the  earth, 
and  therewith  Arthur  was  eager,  and  pulled  out  his  sword, 
*•  and  said,  "I  will  assay  thee,  Sir  knight,  on  foot,  for  I 
have  lost  the  honor  on  horseback." 

"I  will  be  on  horseback,"  said  the  knight.  Then  was 
Arthur  wroth,  and  dressed  his  shield  towards  Him  with 
his  sword  drawn.  When  the  knight  saw  that,  he  alight, 
for  him  thought  no  worship  to  have  a  knight  at  such  avail, 
he  to  be  on  horseback,  and  he  on  foot,  and  so  he  alight 
and  dressed  his  shield  unto  Arthur.  And  there  began  a 
strong  battle  with  many  great  strokes,  and  so  hewed  with 
their  swords  that  the  cantels  [pieces,  of  armor  or  of  JUsK\~ 
flew  in  the  fields,  and  much  blood  they  bled  both,  that  al 
the  place  there  as  they  fought  was  over-bled  with  blood 
and  thus  they  fought  long,  and  rested  them,  and  then 
they  went  to  the  battle  again,  and  so  hurtled  together 
like  two  rams  that  either  fell  to  the  earth.  So  at  the  last 
they  smote  together,  that  both  their  swords  met  even 
together.  But  the  sword  of  the  knight  smote  King 
Arthur's  sword  in  two  pieces,  wherefore  he  was  heavy. 
Then  said  the  knight  unto  Arthur,  "Thou  art  in  my 
danger  whether  me  list  to  save  thee  or  slay  thee,  and  bat 


12  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

thou  yield  thee  as  overcome  and  recreant  thou  shalt 
die." 

"As  for  death,"  said  King  Arthur,  "welcome  be  it 
when  it  cometh,  but  as  to  yield  me  to  thee  as  recreant,  I 
had  liever  die  than  to  be  so  shamed."  And  therewithal 
the  king  leapt  unto  Pellinore,  and  took  him  by  the  middle, 
and  threw  him  down,  and  raced1  off  his  helm.  When 
the  knight  felt  that,  he  was  adread,  for  he  was  a  passing 
big  man  of  might,  and  anon  he  brought  King  Arthur 
under  him,  and  raced  off  his  helm,  and  would  have  smitten 
off  his  head. 

Therewithal  came  Merlin,  and  said  :  "  Knight,  hold  thy 
hand,  for  and  [if]  thou  slay  that  knight,  thou  puttest  this 
realm  in  the  greatest  damage  that  ever  realm  was  in,  for 
this  knight  is  a  man  of  more  worship  than  thou  wottest 
of." 

"  Why,  who  is  he  ? "  said  the  knight. 

"  It  is  King  Arthur." 

Then  would  he  have  slain  him  for  dread  of  his  wrath, 
and  heaved  up  his  sword,  and  therewith  Merlin  ca,st^an 
pnrhant™p"t  ""  the  knight,  that  he  fell  to  the  earth  in  a 
great  sleep.  Then  Merlin  took  up  King  Arthur,  and 
rode  forth  upon  the  knight's  horse.  "  Alas,"  said  King 
Arthur,  "  what  hast  thou  done,  Merlin  ?  hast  thou  slain 
this  good  knight  by  thy  crafts  ?  There  lived  not  so  wor- 
shipful a  knight  as  he  was  ;  I  had  liever  than  the  stint 
[loss]  of  my  land  a  year,  that  he  were  on 2  live." 

"  Care  ye  not,"  said  Merlin,  "  for  he  is  wholer  than  ye, 

,  for  he  is  but  on  3  sleep,  and  will  awake  within  three  hours. 

I  told  you,"  said  Merlin,  "  what  a  knight  he  was ;  here 

had  ye  been  slain  hid  I  not  been.     Also,  there  liveth  not 

1  "  Raced  "  off :  violently  tore  off.  *  "  On  live : "  old  form  of  alivt- 

M  On  sleep,"  asleep :  as  just  above  "  on  live."  alive. 


Of  King  Arthur.  13 

a  better  knight  then  he  is,  and  he  shall  do  you  hereafter 
right  good  service,  and  his  name  is  Pellinore,  and  he  shaU 
have  two  sons,  that  shall  be  passing  good  men." 


CHAPTER  VI. 


HOW  ARTHUR    BY  THE    MZAX    OF    Mz&LTN    GAT  EXCAUBU*    HIS  SWORD 

OF  THE  LADY  OF  nut  LAKE. 

RIGHT  so  the  king  and  he  departed,  and  went  unto 
an  hermit  that  was  a  good  man  and  a  great  leech. 
So  the  hermit  searched  all  his  wounds  and  gave  him  good 
salves  ;  and  the  king  was  there  three  days,  and  then  were 
his  wounds  well  amended  that  he  might  ride  and  go. 
So  Merlin  and  he  departed,  and  as  they  rode,  Arthur  said, 
"  I  have  no  sword." 

"No  force,"  *  said  Merlin,  "hereby  is  a  sword  that  shall 
be  yours,  and  [if]  I  may."  So  they  rode  till  they  came 
to  a  lake,  which  was  a  fair  water  and  a  broad,  and  in  the 
middest  of  the  lake  King  Arthur  was  ware  of  an  arm 
clothed  in  white  samite,  that  held  a  fair  sword  in  the 
hand.  "  Lo,"  said  Merlin,  "  yonder  is  that  sword  that  I 
spake  of."  With  that  they  saw  a  damsel  going  upon  the 
lake. 

"  What  damsel  is  that  ?  "  said  Arthur. 

"That  is  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,"  said  Merlin;  "and 
this  damseljrill  come  to  you  anon,  and  then  speak  ye  fair 
to  her  that  she  will  give  you  that  sword."  Anon  withal 
came  the  damsel  unto  Arthur  and  saluted  him,  and  he 
her  again. 

"Damsel,"  said  Arthur,   "what  sword    is    tlat,  that 

1  "  No  force,"  no  matttr. 


14  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

yonder  the  arm  holdeth  above  the  water?  I  would  it 
were  mine,  for  I  have  no  sword." 

"  Sir  king,"  said  the  damsel,  "  that  sword  is  mine,  ind 
if  ye  will  give  me  a  gift  when  I  ask  it  you,  ye  shall  have 
it." 

"  By  my  faith,"  said  Arthur,  "  I  will  give  you  what  gift 
ye  will  ask." 

"  Well,"  said  the  damsel,  "  go  ye  into  yonder  barge  and 
row  yourself  to  the  sword,  and  take  it  and  the  scabbard 
with  you,  and  I  will  ask  my  gift  when  I  see  my  time." 

So  King  Arthur  and  Merlin  alighted  and  tied  their 
horses  to  two  trees,  and  so  they  went  into  the  ship,  and 
when  they  came  to  the  sword  that  the  hand  held,  King 
Arthur  took  it  up  by  the  handles,  and  took  it  with  him. 
And  the  arm  and  the  hand  went  under  the  water ;  and 
so  they  came  unto  the  land  and  rode  forth.  And  then 
King  Arthur  saw  a  rich  pavilion :  "  What  signifieth 
yonder  pavilion  ? " 

"It  is  the  knight's  pavilion,"  said  Merlin,  "that  ye 
fought  with  last,  Sir  Pellinore,  but  he  is  out,  he  is  not 
there ;  he  hath  ado  with  a  knight  of  yours,  that  hight 
[was  named]  Egglame,  and  they  have  fought  together,  but 
•it  the  last  Egglame  fled,  and  else  he  had  been  dead,  and 
he  hath  chased  him  to  Caerleon,  and  we  shall  anon  meet 
with  him  in  the  high  way." 

"It  is  well  said,"  quoth  King  Arthur,  "now  have  I  a 
sword,  and  now  will  I  wage  battle  with  him  and  be 
avenged  on  him." 

"Sir,  ye  shall  not  do  so,"  said  Merlin,  "for  the  knight 
is  weary  of  fighting  and  chasing,  so  that  ye  shall  have  no 
worship  to  have  ado  with  him ;  also  he  will  not  lightly  be 
matched  of  one  knight  living ;  and  therefore  my  counsel 
is  that  ye  let  him  pass,  for  he  shall  do  you  good  service 


Of  King  Arthur.  15 

in  short  time,  and  his  sons  after  his  days.  Also  ye  shall 
see  that  day  in  short  space,  that  ye  shall  be  right  glad  to 
give  him  your  sister  to  wife." 

"When  I  see  him,"  said  King  Arthur,  "I  wffl  do  as  ye 
advise  me." 

Then  King  Arthur  looked  upon  the  sword  and  liked  H 
passing  well 

"Whether  Kketh  you  better,"  said  Merlin,  "the  sword 
or  the  scabbard  ?  " 

"  Me  liketfa  better  the  sword,"  said  King  Arthur. 

"Ye  are  more  unwise,"  said  Merlin,  "for  the  scabbard 
is  worth  ten  of  the  sword,  for  while  ye  have  the  scabbard 
upon  you  ye  shall  leese  [lose]  no  blood  be  ye  never  so  sore 
wounded,  therefore  keep  well  the  scabbard  alway  with 
you." 

So  they  rode  on  to  Caerleon,  and  by  the  way  they  met 
with  Sir  Pellinore.  But  Merlin  had  done  such  a  craft  that 
Pellinore  saw  not  Arthur,  and  so  he  passed  by  without 
any  words. 

"I  marvel,"  said  the  king,  "that  the  knight  would  not 
sreik." 

" Sir,"  said  Merlin,  "he  saw  you  not,  for  and  [*/]  he  had 
seen  you  he  had  not  lightly  departed." 

So  they  came  unto  Caerleon,  whereof  the  knights  were 
passing  glad ;  and  when  they  heard  of  his  adventures,  they 
marvelled  that  he  would  jeopard  his  person  so  alone.  But 
all  men  of  worship  said  it  was  merry  to  be  under  such  a 
chieftain  that  would  put  his  person  in  adventure  as  other 
poor  knights  did. 


J 6  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

How  TIDINGS  CAME  TO  KING  ARTHUR  THAT  KING  RYENCE  HAD  OVER- 
COME ELEVEN  KINGS,  AND  HOW  HE  DESIRED  KING  ARTHUR'S  BEARD 
TO  PURFLE  \border\  HIS  MANTLE. 

E  mean  while  came  a  messenger  hastily  from  jCinff 
Rvence  of  North  Wales,  and  he  was  king  of  all  Ire- 
land, and  of  many  isles ;  and  this  was  his  message,  greet- 
ing well  King  Arthur  in  this  manner  wise,  saying,  that 
King  Ryence  had  discomfited  and  overcome  eleven  kings, 
and  every  of  them  did  him  homage,  and  that  was  this, 
they  gave  him  their  beards  clean  flayn  of  [stripped  ojf\  as 
much  as  there  was ;  wherefore  the  messenger  came  for 
King  Arthur's  beard,  for  King  Ryence  had  purfled  [bor- 
dered] a  mantle  with  kings'  beards,  and  there  lacked  for 
one  place  of  the  mantle,  wherefore  he  sent  for  his  beard, 
or  else  he  would  enter  into  his  lands  "  and  burn  and  slay, 
and  never  leave  till  he  have  thy  head  and  thy  beard." 

"Well,"  said  King  Arthur,  "thou  hast  said  thy  mes- 
sage, which  is  the  most  villanous  and  lewdest  message 
that  ever  man  heard  sent  to  a  king.  Also  thou  mayest 
see  my  beard  full  young  yet  for  to  make  a  purfle  of.  But 
tell  thou  the  king  this  :  I  owe  him  none  homage,  ne  [nor] 
none  of  mine  elders,  but  or  [ere,  before]  it  be  long  he  shall 
do  to  me  homage  on  both  his  knees,  or  else  he  shall  leese 
[lose]  his  head,  by  the  faith  of  my  body,  for  this  is  the 
most  shamefullest  message  that  ever  I  heard  speak  of; 
I  see  well  the  king  met  never  yet  with  a  worshipful  man, 
but  tell  him  I  will  have  his  head  without  [unless]  he  do 
homage  unto  me." 

Then  the  messenger  departed. 


Of  King  Arthur.  17 

-Now  is  there  any  here,"  said  King  Arthur,  -that 
^_  knoweth  King  Ryence?" 

Then  answered  a  knight  that  hight  [was  named}  Naram  : 
"Sir,  I  know  him  weD,  he  is  a  passing  good  man  of  his 
body  as  few  been  living,  and  a  passing  proud  man,  and, 
sir,  doubt  ye  not  he  wfll  make  war  on  you  with  a  mighty 


"Wdl,"  said  King  Arthur  to  the  knight,  "I  shall  ordain 
for  him,  and  that  shall  he  find." 


CHAPTER  VUL 
Or  A  DAMSEL  WHKH  cm  can  WITH  A  SVOKD,  rot 

Of  SECH  VHTCE  TO  DBAW  IT  OUT  Of  T> 


OO  it  befell  upon  a  time  when  King  Arthur  was  at  LOB- 
O  don,  there  came  a  knight  that  brought  the  king 
tidings  how  that  King  Ryence  of  North  Wales  had  reared 
a  great  number  of  people,  and  were  entered  into  the  land, 
and  burnt  and  slew  the  king's  true  liege  people. 

"If  that  be  true,"  said  King  Arthur,  "it  were  great 
shame  unto  mine  estate  but  that  he  were  mightily  with- 
standen." 

"It  is  troth,"  said  the  knight,  "for  I  saw  the  host  my- 
self." 

Then  Fang  Arthur  let  make  a  cry,  that  all  the  lords, 

that  was  called  in  those  days  Camdot.  and  there  the  king 
would  let  make  a  counsel  general,  and  a  great  joust,  So 
when  the  king  was  come  thither  with  afl  his 


1 8  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

which  was  sent  on  message  from  the  great  lady  Lyle  of 
Avalon.  And  when  she  came  before  King  Arthur,  she 
told  him  from  whom  she  came,  and  how  she  was  sent  on 
message  unto  him  for  these  causes,  and  she  let  her  mantle 
fall  that  was  richly  furred,  and  then  was  she  girded  with  a 
noble  sword,  whereof  the  king  had  great  marvel  and  sakl : 
"  Damsel,  for  what  cause  are  ye  gird  with  that  sword  ? 
it  beseemeth  you  not." 

"  Now  shall  I  tell  you,"  said  the  damsel ;  "  this  sword 
that  I  am  gird  withal  doth  me  great  sorrow  and  encum- 
brance, for  I  may  not  be  delivered  of  this  sword  but  by  a 
good  knight,  and  he  must  be  a  passing  good  man  of  his 
hands  and  of  his  deeds,  and  without  villany  or  treachery ; 
if  I  may  find  such  a  knight  that  hath  all  these  virtues, 
he  may  draw  out  this  sword  of  the  scabbard.  For  I  have 
been  at  King  Ryence's  for  it  was  told  me  there  were 
passing  good  knights,  and  he  and  all  his  knights  have 
assayed  it,  and  none  can  speed." 

"  This  is  a  great  marvel,"  said  Arthur ;  "  if  this  be 
sooth  \true\  I  will  myself  assay  to  draw  out  the  sword, 
not  presuming  upon  myself  that  I  am  the  best  knight,  but 
that  I  will  begin  to  draw  at  your  sword  in  giving  example 
to  all  the  barons,  that  they  shall  assay  every  one  after 
other  when  I  have  assayed  it." 

Then  Arthur  took  the  sword  by  the  sheath  and  by  the 
girdle,  and  pulled  at  it  eagerly,  but  the  sword  would  not 
out. 

"Sir,"  said  the  damsel,  "ye  need  not  to  pull  half  so 
hard,  for  he  that  shall  pull  it  out,  shall  do  it  with  little 
might." 

"Ye  say  well,"  said  Arthur:  "now  assay  ye,  all  my 
barons,  but  beware  ye  be  not  denied  with  shame,  treachery, 
nor  guile." 


Of  King  Arthur.  19 

"Then  it  will  not  avail,"  said  the  damsel,  "for  he  must 
be  a  clean  knight  without  villany,  and  of  a  gentle  stream 
of  father's  side  and  mother's  side." 

[And  many]  barons  of  the  Round  Table  that  were  there 
at  that  time  assayed  all  by  row,  but  there  might  none 
speed;  wherefore  the  damsel  made  great  sorrow  out  of 
measure,  and  said,  "Alas!  I  wend  [weened,  thought]  in 
this  court  had  been  the  best  knights,  without  treachery  or 
treason." 

"By  my  faith,"  saith  Arthur,  "here  are  good  knights 
as  I  deem  any  been  in  the  world,  but  their  grace  is  not  to 
help  you,  wherefore  I  am  displeased." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

How  BALET,  AKKAYKD  LIKX  A  Poo*  KNIGHT,  PULLED  our  THE  SWOKD, 

WHICH  ATTEfcWABD  WAS  CAUSE  OF  HIS  DEATH. 

THEN  fell  it  so  that  time  there  was  a  poor  knight 
with  King  Arthur,  that  had  been  prisoner  with  him 
half  a  year  and  more,  for  slaying  of  a  knight  the  which 
was  cousin  unto  King  Arthur.  The  name  of  this  knight 
was  called  Balin,  and  by  good  means  of  the  barons  he  was 
delivered  out  of  prison,  for  he  was  a  good  man  named 
of  his  body,  and  he  was  born  in  Northumberland.  And 
so  he  went  privily  into  the  court,  and  saw  this  adventure, 
whereof  his  heart  raised,  and  would  assay  it  as  other 
knights  did,  but,  for  because  he  was  poor  and  poorly 
arrayed,  he  put  him  not  far  in  press  [the  crowd].  But 
in  his  heart  he  was  fully  assured  to  do  as  well  (if  his 
grace  happened  him)  as  any  knight  that  was  there.  And 
as  that  damsel  took  her  leave  of  King  Arthur  and  all 


20  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

the  barons,  this  knight  Balin  called  unto  her  and  said, 
"  Damsel,  I  pray  you  of  your  courtesy  to  suffer  me  as  well 
to  assay  as  these  lords ;  though  I  be  poorly  clothed,  in 
mine  heart  me  seemeth  I  am  fully  assured  as  some  of 
these  other  lords,  and  me  seemeth  in  my  heart  to  speed 
right  well." 

The  damsel  beheld  the  poor  knight,  and  saw  he  was 

a  likely  man ;  but  because  of  his  poor  array  she  thought 

he  should  be  of  no  worship  without  villany  or  treachery. 

And  then  she  said  to  the  knight  Balin,  "  Sir,  it  is  no  need 

to  put  me  to  any  more  pain  or  labor,  for  it  beseemeth 

not  you  to  speed  there  as  other  have  failed." 

,  ?  "  Ah,  fair  damsel,"  said  Balin,  "  worthiness  and  good 

(  taches  [qualities],  and  good  deeds,  are  not  all  only  in 

\  raiment,  but  manhood  and  worship  is  hid  within  man's 

4.  person,  and  many  a  worshipful  knight  is  not  known  unto 

I  all  people,  and  therefore  worship  and  hardiness  is  not  in 

Yraiment  and  clothing." 

V  Said  the  damsel,  "  Ye  say  troth,  therefore  ye  shall  assay 
to  do  what  ye  may." 

Then  Balin  took  the  sword  by  the  girdle  and  scabbard, 
and  drew  it  out  easily,  and  when  he  looked  upon  the 
sword  it  pleased  him  much.  Then  had  the  king  and  all 
the  barons  great  marvel  that  Balin  had  done  that  ad- 
venture, and  many  knights  had  great  spite  at  Balin. 

"Truly,"  said  the  damsel,  "this  is  a  passing  good 
knight,  and  the  best  man  that  ever  I  found,  and  most  of 
worship  without  treason,  treachery,  or  villany,  and  many 
marvels  shall  he  do.  Now,  gentle  and  courteous  knight, 
give  me  the  sword  again." 

"Nay,"  said  Balin,  "for  this  sword  will  I  keep,  but  it 
be  taken  from  me  by  force." 

"Well,"  said  the  damsel,  "ye  are  not  wise  to  keep  the 


Of  King  Arthur.  21 

sword  from  me,  for  ye  shall  slay  with  the  sword  the  best 
friend  that  ye  have,  and  the  man  that  ye  most  love  in  the 
world,  and  the  sword  shall  be  your  destruction." 

"  I  shall  take  the  adventure,"  said  Balin,  "  that  God  wiD 
ordain  me,  but  the  sword  ye  shall  not  have  at  this  time, 
by  the  faith  of  my  body." 

"  Ye  shall  repent  it  within  short  time,*'  said  the  damsel, 
"for  I  would  have  the  sword  more  for  your  avail  than  for 
mine,  for  I  am  passing  heavy  for  your  sake ;  for  ye  will 
not  believe  that  sword  shall  be  your  destruction,  and  that 
is  great  pity."  With  that  the  damsel  departed,  making 
great  sorrow. 

Anon  after  Balin  sent  for  his  horse  and  his  armor,  and 
so  would  depart  from  the  court,  and  took  his  leave  of 
King  Arthur.  "  Nay,"  said  the  king,  "  I  suppose  ye  will 
not  depart  so  lightly  from  this  fellowship.  I  suppose  that 
ye  are  displeased  that  I  have  showed  you  unkindness ; 
blame  me  the  less,  for  I  was  misinformed  against  you,  but 
I  wend  \tJuntght\  you  had  not  been  such  a  knight  as  ye 
are  of  worship  and  prowess,  and  if  ye  will  abide  in  this 
court  among  my  fellowship,  I  shall  so  advance  you  as  ye 
shall  be  pleased." 

"  God  thank  your  highness,"  said  Balin,  "  for  your 
bounty  and  highness  may  no  man  praise  half  to  the 
value ;  but  at  this  time  I  must  needs  depart,  beseeching 
you  alway  of  your  good  grace." 

"Truly,"  said  the  king,  "I  am  right  wroth  for  your 
departing  :  I  pray  you,  fair  knight,  that  ye  tarry  not  long, 
and  ye  shall  be  right  welcome  to  me  and  to  my  barons, 
and  I  shall  amend  all  amiss  that  I  have  done  against 
you." 

"  God  thank  your  lordship,"  said  Balin,  and  therewith 
made  him  ready  to  depart.  Then  the  most  part  of  the 


22  The  Bo'fs  King  Arthur. 

knights. of  the  Round  Table  said  that  Balm  did  not  this 
adventure  all  only  by  might,  but  by  witchcraft. 


CHAPTER   X. 
How  THE  LADY  OF  THE  LAKE  DEMANDED  THE  KNIGHT'S  HKAD  THAT 

HAD  WON  THE  SWORD,  OR  THE  MAIDEN'S  HEAD. 

THE  mean  while  that  this  knight  was  making  him 
ready  to  depart,  there  came  into  the  court  a  lady, 
which  hight  [was  named}  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  and 
she  came  on  horseback  richly  beseen,  and  saluted  King 
Arthur,  and  there  she  asked  him  a  gift  that  he  had  prom- 
ised her  when  she  gave  him  the  sword. 

"That  is  sooth"  [true],  said  King  Arthur,  "a  gift  I 
promised  you;  but  I  have  forgotten  the  name  of  the 
sword  which  ye  gave  me." 

"  The  name  of  it,"  said  the  lady,  "  is  Excalibur,  that  is 
as  much  to  say  as  cut-steel." 

"  Ye  say  well,"  said  King  Arthur,  "  ask  what  ye  will, 
and  ye  shall  have  it,  if  it  lie  in  my  power  to  give  it." 

"  Well,"  said  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  "  I  ask  the  head  cf 
the  knight  that  hath  won  the  sword,  or  else  the  damsel's 
head  that  brought  it ;  and  though  I  have  both  their 
heads  I  force  [care]  not,  for  he  slew  my  brother,  a  full 
good  knight  and  a  true,  and  that  gentlewoman  was  causer 
of  my  father's  death." 

"  Truly,"  said  King  Arthur,  "  I  may  not  grant  you 
neither  of  their  heads  with  my  worship,  therefore  ask 
what  ye  will  else  and  I  shall  fulfil  your  desire." 

"  I  will  ask  none  other  thing  of  you,"  said  the  lady 


Of  Kt*g  Artkur.  23 

When  Balm  was  ready  to  depart  he  saw  the  Lady  of  the 
Lake  there,  by  whose  means  was  slain  his  own  mother, 
and  he  had  sought  her  three  years.  And  when  it  was 
told  him  that  she  demanded  his  head  of  THng  Arthur,  he 
went  straight  to  her  and  said,  "Evfl  be  ye  found,  ye  would 
have  my  head,  and  therefore  ye  shall  lose  yours."  And 
with  his  sword  lightly  he  smote  off  her  head  before  King 
Arthur. 

"Alas!  for  shame,"  said  Arthur,  "why  have  you  done 
so  ?  ye  have  shamed  me  and  all  my  court,  for  this  was  a 
lady  that  I  was  beholden  to,  and  hither  she  came  under 
my  safe  conduct;  I  shall  never  forgive  you  that  tres- 


"Sir,"  said  Balin,  "me  forthinketh  [gritvftA]  of  your 
displeasure,  for  this  same  lady  was  the  untroest  lady  liv- 
ing, and  by  enchantment  and  sorcery  she  hath  been  th* 
destroyer  of  many  good  knights,  and  she  was  causer 
that-  my  mother  was  burnt  through  her  falsehood  an«fl 
treachery." 

"What  cause  so  ever  ye  had,"  said  Arthur,  "ye  should 
have  forborne  her  in  my  presence;  therefore,  think  not 
the  contrary,  ye  shall  repent  it,  for  such  another  despite 
had  I  never  in  my  court :  therefore  withdraw  you  out  of 
my  court  in  all  haste  that  ye  may."  / 

Then  Balin  took  up  the  head  of  the  lady,  and  bare  «V/ 
with  him  to  his  hostry  \hosttlrj,  »•»],  and  there  he  met  * 
with  his  squire,  that  was  sorry  he  had  displeased  King 
Arthur,  and  so  they  rode  forth  out  of  the  town. 

"Now,"  said  Bain,  "we  must  part ;  take  thou  this  head 
and  bear  it  to  my  friends,  and  tell  them  how  I  have  sped, 
and  tell  my  friends  in  Northumberland  that  my  most  foe 
is  dead.  Also  tell  them  how  I  am  out  of  prison,  and  also 
wbat  adventure  befell  rae  at  the  getting  of  this  sword." 


24  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"Alas,"  said  the  squire,  "ye  are  greatly  to  blame  for  to 
displease  King  Arthur." 

"As  for  that,"  said  Balin,  "I  will  hie  me  in  all  the  haste 
that  I  may,  to  meet  with  King  Ryence  and  destroy  him, 
or  else  to  die  therefore ;  and  if  it  may  hap  me  to  win  him, 
then  will  King  Arthur  be  my  good  and  gracious  lord." 

"Where  shall  I  meet  with  you?"  said  the  squire. 

"In  King  Arthur's  court,"  said  Balin. 

So  his  squire  and  he  departed  at  that  time.  Then 
King  Arthur  and  all  the  court  made  great  dole,  and  had 
shame  of  the  death  of  the  Lady  of  the  Lake.  Then  the 
king  buried  her  richly. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

How  MERLIN  TOLD  THE  ADVENTURE  OF  THE  DAMSEL. 

AT  that  time  there  was  in  King  Arthur's  court  a 
knight  that  was  the  king's  son  of  Ireland,1  and  his 
name  was  Lanceor,  and  he  was  a  proud  knight,  and  he 
counted  himself  one  of  the  best  knights  of  the  court, 
and  he  had  great  spite  at  Balin  for  the  achieving  of  the 
sword,  that  any  should  be  accounted  of  more  prowess 
than  he  was ;  and  he  asked  King  Arthur  if  he  would  give 
him  leave  to  ride  after  Balin  and  to  revenge  the  despite 
that  he  hath  done.  "  Do  your  best,"  said  King  Arthur, 
"  for  I  am  right  wroth  with  Balin  ;  I  would  he  were  quite 
[quit,  acquitted]  of  the  despite  that  he  hath  done  to  me 
and  to  my  court." 

Then  this  Lanceor  went  to  his  hostrie  to  make  him 
ready.     In  the  mean  while  came  Merlin  to  King  Arthur's 

1  "  The  king's  son  of  Ireland,"  the  king  of  Ireland's  son. 


Of  King  Arthur.  25 

court,  and  there  it  was  told  him  of  the  adventure  of 
the  sword,  and  of  the  Lady  of  the  Lake. 

"Now  shall  I  say  to  you,"  said  Merlin,  "this  damsel 
that  here  standeth,  that  brought  the  sword  unto  your 
court,  I  shall  tell  you  the  cause  of  her  coming,  she  is  the 
falsest  damsel  that  liveth." 

"  Say  not  so,"  said  they,  "she  hath  a  brother  a  passing 
good  knight  of  prowess  and  a  full  true  man,  aid  this 
damsel  loved  another,  and  this  good  knight  her  brother 
met  with  the  knight,  and  slew  him  by  force  of  his  hands." 

When  this  damsel  understood  this,  she  went  to  the  lady 
Lyle  of  Avalon,  and  besought  her  of  help  to  be  avenged 
on  her  brother. 


CHAPTER  XIL 

How  BAIXV  WAS  PURSUED  BY  Snt  LANCEOK,  A  KNIGHT  OP  Iizuuro, 
AND  HOW  BALIN  SLEW  HIM. 

SO  the  knight  of  Ireland  armed  him  at  all  points,  and 
dressed  his  shield  on  his  shoulder  and  mounted  upon 
horseback,  and  took  his  spear  in  his  hand,  and  rode  after 
as  fast  as  his  horse  could  run,  and  within  a  little  space  on 
a  mountain  he  had  a  sight  of  Balin,  and  with  a  loud  voice 
he  cried  to  him  and  said :  "  Abide,  knight,  for  ye  shall 
abide  whether  ye  will  or  will  not,  and  the  shield  that  is 
tofore  you  shall  not  help  you." 

When  Balin  heard  that  noise,  he  turned  his  horse 
fiercely,  and  said,  "  Fair  knight,  what  will  you  with  me, 
will  ye  joust  with  me  ?  " 

"  Yea,"  said  the  Irish  knight,  "  therefore  am  I  come 
after  you." 


26  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  Perad venture,"  said  Balin,  "  it  had  been  better  to  have 
holden  you  at  home,  for  many  a  man  weeneth  \thinketh\ 
to  put  his  enemy  to  a  rebuke,  and  often  it  falleth  to  him- 
self. Of  what  court  be  ye  sent  fro  [from]  ?  " 

"  I  am  come  fro  the  court  of  King  Arthur,"  said  the 
knight  of  Ireland,  "  that  come  hither  for  to  revenge  the 
despite  ye  did  this  day  to  King  Arthur  and  to  his  court." 

"  Well,"  said  Balin,  "  I  see  well  I  must  have  ado  with 
you,  that  me  forthinketh  [grieveth]  for  to  grieve  King 
Arthur,  or  any  of  his  court ;  and  your  quarrel  is  full 
simple,"  said  Balin,  "  for  the  lady  that  is  dead  did  great 
damage,  and  else  I  would  have  been  as  loth  as  any  knight 
that  liveth  for  to  slay  a  lady." 

"  Make  you  ready,"  said  the  knight  Lanceor,  "  and 
dress  you  to  me,  for  one  of  us  shall  abide  in  the  field." 

Then  they  took  their  spears  in  atl  the  haste  they  might, 
and  came  together  as  fast  as  their  horses  might  drive,  and 
the  king's  son  of  Ireland  smote  Balin  upon  his  shield, 
that  his  spear  went  all  to  shivers.  And  Balin  smote  him 
with  such  a  might  that  it  went  through  his  shield,  and 
perished  \_pierced\  the  hauberk,  and  so  pierced  through 
his  body  and  the  horse's  croupe  \crupper\,  and  Balin  anon 
turned  his  horse  fiercely,  and  drew  out  his  sword,  and 
wist  not  that  he  had  slain  him,  and  then  he  saw  him  lie 
as  a  dead  corpse. 


Of  ISng  Arthur.  27 


IT: 


THEN  be  looked  by  him  and  was  ware  of  a 
that  came  riding  as  fast  as  her  hone  aught  gallop, 
upon  a  fair  palfrey  ;  and  when  •fc*>ffqFf?«P  tfcat-  jjjf  T-»nf*«r 

-O  BaBn,  two  bodks  bast  thoa  slain,  and  one  heart,  and 
two  hearts  in  one  body,  and  two  soak  than  hast  lost" 

And  therewith  she  took  the  sword  from  her  love  that  lay 
dead,  and  as  she  took  it  she  fefl  to  the  groond  in  a  swoon, 

and  •hen  she  *™»^  she  Bade  ^IBIJ  dole  out  of  measure, 
which  sorrow  grieved  BaEn  passing  sore,  and  went  to  her 
for  to  haw  taken  the  sword  out  of  her  hands,  but  she 
heSd  it  so  fast,  tint  in  no  wise  he  might  take  the  srod 
oat  of  her  hands,  bat  if  he  should  have  hurt  her ;  and  sod- 
"***My  she  set  the  pommel  of  the  awu«u  to  Cue  groond  and 
ran  herself  through  the  Iwwly.  And  when  iMlin  saw  her 

so  £air  a  ihmsri  had  dv&tiuyul  IK*  mill  tor  die  love,  of  him. 

a  AV»  •»    -„*  1    H^K—      —„..  «  -«TI,     -       _    «l^_     J »^tt.     jj 

Aias,    saaa  tann,     me  lepemeui  sore  me  orarn  oc 
tins  knight  for  the  love  of  this  damsel,  for  there 
traelorcbetwn 


And  for  sonow  he  msgnt  no  ***>ffMr'  ™*M  — i  out  tnmcd 
his  hoisc  and  looted  towaius  a  gi^^L  forest,  and  there  he 
was  wiie,  by  the  -j*11"**^  of  his  brother  •*a"i>i  And  when 
they  woe  met  they  put  off  then*  helms  and  teased  to- 
gether, and  wept  for  joy  and  pity.  Then  Balan  said,  "I 
little  wend  to  have  met  with  jou  at  this  sodden  ad- 

•.    _"  .1.1    _j,la_l   «£ 

ii^u>  ^••n  os 


28  The  £<ty's  King  Arthur. 

dolorous  prisonment,  for  a  man  told  me  in  the  Castle  of 
Four  Stones  that  ye  were  delivered,  and  that  man  had 
seen  you  in  the  court  of  King  Arthur,  and  therefore  I 
came  hither  into  this  country,  for  here  I  supposed  to  find 
you." 

Anon  the  knight  Balin  told  his  brother  of  his  adventure 
of  the  sword,  and  of  the  death  of  the  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
and  how  King  Arthur  was  displeased  with  him  :  "  Where- 
fore he  sent  this  knight  after  me  that  lieth  here  dead; 
and  the  death  of  this  damsel  grieveth  me  sore." 

"So  doth  it  me,"  said  Balan,  "but  ye  must  take  the 
adventure  that  God  will  ordain  you." 

"Truly,"  said  Balin,  "I  am  right  heavy  that  my  lord 
Arthur  is  displeased  with  me,  for  he  is  the  most  worship- 
ful knight  that  reigneth  now  on  earth,  and  his  love  I  will 
get  or  else  I  will  put  my  life  in  adventure ;  for  the  King 
Ryence  lieth  at  a  siege  at  the  castle  Terrabil,  and  thither 
will  we  draw  in  all  haste,  to  prove  our  worship  and  prowess 
upon  him." 

"I  will  well,"  said  Balan,  "that  we  do,  and  we  will  help 
each  other  as  brethren  ought  to  do." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

How  A  DWARF  REPROVED  BALIN  FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  LANCEOR,  AND 
HOW  KING  MARK  OF  CORNWALL  FOUND  THEM,  AND  MADE  A  TOMB 
OVER  THEM. 

T)ROTHER,"  said  Balin,  "let  us  go  hence,  and  well  be 
JD  we  met." 

The  mean  while  as  they  talked,  there  came  x  dwarf 
from  the  :ity  of  Camelot  on  horseback  as  fast  as 


Of  King  Arthur.  29 

and  found  the  dead  bodies,  wherefore  he  made  great  dole, 
and  drew  his  hair  for  sorrow,  and  said,  "Which  of  you 
knights  hath  done  this  deed  ? " 

"  \Yhereby  askest  thou  it  ? "  said  Balin. 

"  For  I  would  wit "  \knovj\,  said  the  dwarf. 

"  It  was  I,"  said  Balin,  "  that  slew  this  knight  in  my 
defence,  for  hither  came  he  to  chase  me,  and  either  I 
must  slay  him  or  he  me,  and  this  damsel  slew  herself  for 
his  love,  which  me  sore  repenteth,  and  for  her  sake  I 
shall  owe  all  women  the  better  love  and  favor." 

"Alas,"  said  the  dwarf,  "thou  hast  done  great  dam^g^ 
unto  thyself  for  this  knight  that  is  here  dead  was  one  of 
the  most  valiantest  men  that  lived,  and  trust  thou  well, 
Balin,  that  the  kin  of  this  knight  will  chase  thee  through 
the  world  till  they  have  slain  thee." 

"  As  for  that,"  said  Balin,  "  I  fear  it  not  greatly ;  but  I 
am  right  heavy  because  I  have  displeased  my  sovereign 
lord  King  Arthur,  for  the  death  of  this  knight." 

So,  as  they  talked  together,  there  came  a  king  of  Corn 
wall  riding  by  them,  which  was  named  King  Mark,  and 
when  he  saw  these  two  bodies  dead  and  understood  how 
they  were  dead  by  one  of  the  two  knights  above  said, 
ihen  made  King  Mark  great  sorrow  for  the  true  love  that 
was  between  them,  and  said:  "I  will  not  depart  from 
hence  till  I  have  on  this  earth  made  a  tomb." 

And  there  he  pight  \JntcJud]  his  pavilions,  and  sought 
through  all  the  country  to  find  a  tomb,  and  in  a  church 
they  found  one  [that]  was  fair  and  rich,  and  there  the 
king  let  put  them  both  in  the  earth,  and  put  the  tomb 
upon  them,  and  wrote  the  names  of  them  both  on  the 
tomb :  how  here  lieth  Lanceor  the  king's  son  of  Ireland 
that  at  his  own  request  was  slain  by  the  hands  of  Balin, 
and  how  his  lady  Colombe  slew  herself  with  her  love's 
sword  for  dole  and  sorrow. 


30  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

How  MERLIN  PROPHESIED  THAT  BALIN  SHOULD  STRIKE  THE  DOLOROUS 
STROKE. 


said  Merlin  [to  Balm]  "because  of  the  death 

-L  of  that  lady,  thou  shalt  strike  a  stroke  the  most 
dolorous  that  ever  man  stroke,  except  the  stroke  of  our 
Lord  ;  for  thou  shalt  hurt  the  truest  knight  and  the  man 
of  the  most  worship  that  now  liveth,  and  through  that 
stroke  three  kingdoms  shall  be  in  great  poverty,  misery, 
and  wretchedness  twelve  years,  and  the  knight  shall  not 
be  whole  of  that  wound  in  many  years."  And  then 
Merlin  took  his  leave  of  Balin. 

Then  said  Balin,  "  If  I  wist  [knew]  that  it  were  sooth 
\true\  that  ye  say,  I  should  do  such  a  perilous  deed  as 
that  I  would  slay  myself  to  make  thee  a  liar." 

And  therewith  anon  Merlin  suddenly  vanished  away. 
Then  Balin  and  his  brother  took  their  leave  of  King 
Mark. 

"First,"  said  the  king,  "tell  me  your  name." 

"  Sir,"  said  Balan,  "  ye  may  see  he  beareth  two  swords, 
thereby  ye  may  call  him  the  knight  with  the  two  swords." 

And  so  departed  King  Mark,  and  rode  to  Camelot  to 
King  Arthur,  and  Balin  and  his  brother  took  the  way  to 
King  Ryence,  and  as  they  rode  together  they  met  with 
Merlin  disguised,  but  they  knew  him  not. 

"  Whither  ride  ye  ?  "  said  Merlin. 

"We  have  little  to  do,"  said  the  two  knights,  "for  to 
tell  thee  ;  but  what  is  thy  name  ?  "  said  Balin. 

"As  at  this  time,"  said  Merlin,  "I  wi'l  not  tell  thee." 

"  It  is  full  evil  seen,"  said  the  two  knights,  "  that  thou 
art  a  true  man,  when  thou  wilt  not  tell  thy  name." 


Of  King  Arthur.  31 

"As  for  that,"  said  Merlin,  "be  it  as  it  may,  but  I  can 
tell  you  wherefore  ye  ride  this  way,  for  to  meet  King 
Ryence,  but  it  will  not  avail  you  without  you  have  my 
counseL" 

"Ah!"  said  Balin,  "ye  are  Merlin.  We  will  be  ruled 
by  your  counseL" 

"Come  on,"  said  Merlin,  "ye  shall  have  great  worship, 
and  look  that  ye  do  knightly,  for  ye  shall  have  great 
neel" 

"As  for  that,"  said  Balin,  "dread  ye  not,  we  will  do 
what  we  may." 


CHAPTER  XVL 

How  BALIN  AND  HIS  BIOTHXK  BY  THE  COUNSEL  OF  MEKJLD*   TOOK 
KING  RTZXCZ,  AND  BROUGHT  mx  TO  KING  AKTHOTL 

THEN  Merlin  lodged  them  in  a  wood  among  leaves 
beside  the  highway,  and  took  off  the  bridles  of  their 
horses  and  put  them  to  grass,  and  laid  them  down  to  rest 
them  till  it  was  nigh  midnight.  Then  Merlin  bade  them 
rise  and  make  them  ready,  for  the  king  was  nigh  them, 
that  was  stolen  away  from  his  host  with  a  threescore  horses 
of  his  best  knights,  and  twenty  of  them  rode  tofore,  to 
warn  the  lady  that  the  king  was  coming. 

"  Which  is  the  king  ?  "  said  Balin. 

"  Abide,"  said  Merlin,  "  here  in  a  straight  way  ye  shall 
meet  with  him  ; "  and  therewith  he  showed  Balin  and  his 
brother  where  he  rode.  Anon  Balin  and  his  brother  met 
*rth  the  king,  and  smote  him  down,  and  wounded  him 
fiercely,  and  laid  him  to  the  ground,  and  there  they  slew 
on  the  right  hand  and  the  left  hand,  and  slew  more  than 
forty  of  his  men ;  and  the  remnant  fled.  Then  went  they 


32  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

again  to  King  Ryence,  and  would  have  slain  him  had  he 
not  yielded  him  unto  their  grace. 

Then  said  he  thus :  "  Knights  full  of  prowess,  slay  me 
not,  for  by  my  life  ye  may  win,  and  by  my  death  ye  shall 
win  nothing." 

Then  said  these  two  knights,  "Ye  say  sooth  and  truth  ; " 
and  so  laid  him  on  an  horse-litter.  With  that  Merlin  was 
vanished,  and  came  to  King  Arthur  aforehand,  and  told 
him  how  his  most  enemy  was  taken  and  discomfited. 

"  By  whom  ? "  said  King  Arthur. 

"By  two  knights,"  said  Merlin,  "that  would  please 
your  lordship,  and  to-morrow  ye  shall  know  what  knights 
they  are." 

Anon  after  came  the  knight  with  the  two  swords,  and 
Balan  his  brother,  and  brought  with  them  King  Ryence 
of  North  Wales,  and  there  delivered  him  to  the  porters, 
and  charged  them  with  him ;  and  so  they  two  returned 
again  in  the  springing  of  the  day. 

King  Arthur  came  then  to  King  Ryence  and  said, 
"  Sir  king,  ye  are  welcome :  by  what  adventure  come  ye 
hither?" 

"  Sir,"  said  King  Ryence,  "  I  came  hither  by  an  hard 
adventure." 

"  Who  won  you  ? "  said  King  Arthur. 

"Sir,"  said  the  king,  "the  knight  with  the  two  swords 
and  his  brother,  which  are  two  marvellous  knights  of 
prowess. 

"  I  know  them  not,"  said  Arthur,  "  but  much  I  am  be- 
holden to  them." 

"Ah,"  said  Merlin,  "I  shall  tell  you,  it  is  Balin  that 
achieved  the  sword,  and  his  brother  Balan,  a  good  knight, 
there  liveth  not  a  better  of  prowess  and  of  worthiness; 
and  it  shall  be  the  greatest  dole  of  him  that  ever  I  knew 
of  knight,  for  he  shall  not  long  endure." 


Of  King  Arthur.  33 

"Alas,"  said  King  Arthur,  "that  is  great  pity,  for  I  am 
much  beholden  unto  him,  and  I  have  31  deserved  it  unto 
him  for  his  kindness." 

"Nay,"  said  Merlin,  "he  shall  do  much  more  for  you, 
and  that  shall  ye  know  in  haste.  But,  Sir,  are  ye  pur- 
veyed?" said  Merlin;  "for  to-morn  the  host  of  Nero, 
King  Ryence's  brother,  will  set  on  you  or  [ere,  before} 
noon  with  a  great  host,  and  therefore  make  you  ready,  for 
I  will  depart  from  you." 


CHAPTER  XVTL 

HOW   KciG    ABIHIIK    WAT>  A    BATTLE   AGAEC5T   NEEO   AXD   ILCCG    LOT. 

AJO>  BOW  TWKLTK  KJBGS  wxu  suux. 

THEN  came  Nero  to  Castle  Terrabfl  with  a  mighty 
host,  for  he  had  ten  battles,  [battalions,  or  divisions} 
with  much  more  people  than  King  Arthur  had.  So  Nero 
himself  had  the  vaward  \va-wardj  van-guard}  with  the 
most  part  of  his  people ;  and  Merlin  came  to  King  Lot, 
of  the  Isle  of  the  Orkney,  and  held  him  with  a  tale 
of  prophecy  tfll  Nero  and  his  people  were  destroyed. 
And  there  Sir  Kay  the  seneschal  did  passing  weH,  thai 
all  the  days  of  his  life  he  had  thereof  worship.  And  Sii 
Hervis  de  Revel  did  marvellous  deeds  with  King  Arthur. 
And  King  Arthur  slew  that  day  twenty  knights,  and 
maimed  forty.  At  that  time  came  in  the  knight  with  the 
two  swords,  and  his  brother  Balan  ;  but  they  two  did  so 
marvellously  that  the  king  and  all  the  knights  had  great 
marvel  thereof,  and  all  that  beheld  them  said  that  they 
were  sent  from  heaven  as  angels,  or  as  devils  from  hell ; 
and  King  Arthur  said  himself  that  they  were  the  best 


34  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

knights  that  ever  he  saw,  for  they  gave  such  strokes  that 
all  men  had  wonder  of  them.  In  the  mean  while  came 
one  to  King  Lot,  and  told  him  that  while  he  tarried  there 
Nero  was  destroyed  and  slain  with  all  his  people. 

"Alas!  I  am  shamed,"  said  King  Lot,  "for  through  my 
default  is  slain  many  a  worshipful  man  ;  for  if  we  had 
been  together  there  had  been  no  host  under  heaven  that 
had  been  able  to  match  us.  This  [deceiver]  with  his 
prophecy  hath  mocked  me." 

All  that  did  Merlin,  for  he  knew  well  that  if  King  Lot 
had  been  there  with  his  body  at  the  first  battle,  King 
Arthur  and  all  his  people  should  have  been  destroyed 
and  slain.  And  Merlin  knew  well  that  one  of  the  kings 
should  be  dead  that  day,  and  loth  was  Merlin  that  any  of 
them  both  should  be  slain  ;  but  of  the  twain  he  had  liever 
King  Lot  had  been  slain  than  King  Arthur. 

"  Now,  what  is  best  to  do,"  said  King  Lot,  "  whether  is 
it  better  for  to  treat  with  King  Arthur,  or  to  fight,  for 
the  most  part  of  our  people  are  slain  and  destroyed  ? " 

"  Sir,"  said  a  knight,  "  set  upon  King  Arthur,  for  he 
and  his  men  are  weary  of  fighting,  and  we  be  fresh." 

"As  for  me,"  said  King  Lot,  "I  would  that  every 
knight  would  do  his  part  as  I  will  do  mine." 

And  then  they  advanced  their  banners  and  smote  to- 
gether, and  all  to-shivered  [shivered  all  to  pieces]  their 
spears ;  and  King  Arthur's  knights,  with  the  help  of  the 
knight  with  the  two  swords  and  his  brother  Balan,  put 
King  Lot  and  his  host  to  the  worst ;  but  alway  King 
Lot  held  him  in  the  foremost,  and  did  great  deeds  of  arms, 
for  all  his  host  was  borne  up  by  his  hands,  for  he  abode 
and  withstood  all  knights.  Alas !  he  might  not  ever 
endure,  the  which  was  great  pity  that  so  worthy  a  knight 
as  he  was  should  be  over-matched,  and  that  of  late  time 


Of  King  Arthur.  35 

afore  had  been  a  knight  of  King  Arthur's,  and  had 
wedded  King  Arthur's  sister.  So  there  was  a  knight 
that  was  called  the  knight  with  the  strange  beast,  and  at 
that  time  his  right  name  was  Pellinore,  which  was  a  good 
man  of  prowess,  and  he  smote  a  mighty  stroke  at  King 
Lot  as  he  fought  with  his  enemies,  and  he  failed  of  his 
stroke,  and  smote  the  horse's  neck  that  he  fell  to  the 
ground  with  King  Lot,  and  therewith  anon  Sir  Pellinore 
smote  him  a  great  stroke  through  the  helm,  and  hewed 
him  to  the  brows.  And  then  all  the  host  of  Orkney  fled 
for  the  death  of  King  Lot,  and  there  was  slain  many  a 
mother's  son.  But  King  Pellinore  bare  the  wit  \blame\ 
of  the  death  of  King  Lot;  wherefore  Sir  Gawaine  re- 
venged the  death  of  his  father  the  tenth  year  after  he  was 
made  knight,  and  slew  King  Pellinore  with  his  own  hands. 
Also  there  was  slain  at  the  battle  twelve  kings  on  King 
Lot's  side  with  Nero,  and  all  were  buried  in  the  church 
of  Saint  Stevens,  in  Camelot ;  and  the  remnant  of  knights 
and  of  other  were  buried  in  a  great  rock. 


CHAPTER  XVIIL 

OF    THE    fclTERMEST    OF   TWELVE    KlUGS,    AND    OF    THE    PROPHECY    O» 

MERLIN,  AND  HOW  BALDT  SHOULD  GIVE  THE  DOLOROUS  STROKE. 

SO  at  the  entertainment  [interment,  that  is,  burial} 
came  King  Lot's  wife  Morgause,  with  her  four  sons 
Gawaine,  Agravaine,  Gaheris,  and  Gareth.  Also  there 
came  thither  King  Urience,  Sir  Ewaine's  father,  and 
Morgan  le  Fay  his  wife,  that  was  King  Arthur's  sister. 
All  these  came  to  the  interment  But  of  all  these 
twelve  kings  King  Arthur  let  make  the  tomb  of  King 


36  The  Boy's  King  Arthur 

Lot  passing  richly,  and  made  his  tomb  by  his  own ;  and 
then  King  Arthur  let  make  twelve  images  of  laton  [brass] 
and  copper,  and  over-gilt  it  with  gold,  in  the  sign  of 
twelve  kings,  and  each  one  of  them  held  a  taper  of  wax 
that  burnt  day  and  night :  and  King  Arthur  was  made  in 
sign  of  a  figure  standing  above  them  with  a  sword  drawn 
in  his  hand :  and  all  the  twelve  figures  had  countenance 
like  unto  men  that  were  overcome.  All  this  made  Merlin 
by  his  subtle  craft ;  and  there  he  told  the  king,  "When  I 
am  dead  these  tapers  shall  burn  no  longer ;  and  soon 
after  the  adventures  of  the  Sangreal I  shall  come  among 
you  and  be  achieved." 

Also  he  told  Arthur  how  Balin  the  worshipful  knight 
shall  give  the  Dolorous  Stroke,  whereof  shall  fall  great 
vengeance. 

"O  where  is  Balin,  and  Balan,  and  Pellinore?"  said 
King  Arthur. 

"  As  for  Pellinore,"  said  Merlin,  "  he  will  meet  with  you 
soon  :  and  as  for  Balin,  he  will  not  be  long  from  you :  but 
the  other  brother  will  depart ;  ye  shall  see  him  no  more." 

"  By  my  faith,"  said  Arthur,  "  they  are  two  marvellous 
knights, -and  namely  Balin  passeth  of  prowess  of  any 
knight  that  ever  I  found,  for  much  beholden  am  I  unto 
him  ;  would  that  he  would  abide  with  me." 

"Sir,"  said  Merlin,  "look  ye  keep  well  the  scabbard  of 
Excalibur,  for  ye  shall  lose  no  blood  while  ye  have  the 
scabbard  upon  you,  though  ye  have  as  many  wounds  upon 
you  as  ye  may  have." 

So  after,  for  great  trust  Arthur  betook  the  scabbard  to 
Morgan  le  Fay  his  sister,  and  she  loved  another  knight 

1  "  Sangreal,"  the  Saint  Grail,  or  Holy  Cup,  said  to  have  held  the  blood 
of  Jesus  and  to  have  been  brought  away  from  the  Cross  by  Joseph  of 
Arimathea, 


Of  King  Arthur.  37 

better  than  her  husband  King  Urierce  or  King  Arthur, 
and  she  would  have  had  Arthur  her  brother  slain,  and 
therefore  she  let  make  another  scabbard  like  it  by  en- 
chantment, and  gave  the  scabbard  of  Excalibur  to  her 
love.  And  the  knight's  name  was  called  Accolon,  that 
after  had  near  slain  King  Arthur.  After  this  Merlin  told 
unto  King  Arthur  of  the  prophecy  that  there  should  be  a 
great  battle  beside  Salisbury,  and  that  Mordred  his  sister's 
son  should  be  against  him. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

How  A  SOUOWFUL  RTTGHT  CAMS  BEFORE  KING  AXTHTTK,  AJCD  HOW 
BALCV  f«.mm>  nut,  AND  HOW  THAT  KXIGHT  WAS  SLAIN  XT  A 
KncHT  IHVJSULX. 

[THIN  a  day  or  two  King  Arthur  was  somewhat 
sick,  and  he  let  pitch  his  pavilion  in  a  meadow, 
and  there  he  laid  him  down  on  a  pallet  to  sleep,  but  he 
might  have  no  rest.  Right  so  he  heard  a  great  noise  of 
an  horse,  and  therewith  the  king  looked  out  at  *he  porch 
of  the  pavilion,  and  saw  a  knight  coming  even  by  him 
making  great  dole. 

"Abide,  fair  sir,"  said  Arthur,  "and  tell  me  wherefore 
thou  makest  this  sorrow  ?  " 

"Ye  may  little  amend  me,"  said  the  knight,  and  so 
passed  forth  to  the  castle  of  Meliot. 

Anon  after  there  came  Balin,  and  when  he  saw  King 
Arthur  he  alight  off  his  horse,  and  came  to  the  king  on 
foot,  and  saluted  him. 

"By  my  head,"  said  Arthur,  "ye  be  welcome.     S. 
right  now  came  riding  this  way  a  knight  making  great 


38  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


moan,  for  what  cause  I  cannot  tell,  wherefore  I  would 
desire  of  you  of  your  courtesy  and  of  your  gentleness  to 
fetch  again  that  knight  either  by  force  or  else  by  his 
good-will." 

"  I  will  do  more  for  your  lordship  than  that,"  said  Balin  : 
and  so  he  rode  more  than  a  pace,  and  found  the  knight 
with  a  damsel  in  a  forest,  and  said,  "  Sir  knight,  ye  must 
come  with  me  unto  King  Arthur,  for  to  tell  him  of  your 
sorrow." 

"That  will  I  not,"  said  the  knight,  "for  it  will  scathe 
me  greatly,  and  do  you  none  avail." 

"Sir,"  said  Balin,  "I  pray  you  make  you  ready,  for  ye 
must  go  with  me,  or  else  I  must  fight  with  you  and  bring 
you  by  force,  and  that  were  me  loth  to  do." 

"Will  ye  be  my  warrant,"  said  the  knight,  "and  I  go 
with  you  ? " 

"Yea,"  said  Balin,  "or  else  I  will  die  therefore." 

And  so  he  made  him  ready  to  go  with  Balin,  and  left 
the  damsel  still.  And  as  they  were  afore  King  Arthur's 
pavilion  there  came  one  invisible,  and  smote  this  knight 
that  went  with  Balin  throughout  the  body  with  a  spear. 

"  Alas  !  "  said  the  knight,  "  I  am  slain  under  your  con- 
duct and  guard  with  a  traitorous  knight  called  Garlon; 
therefore  take  my  horse  the  which  is  better  than  yours, 
and  ride  to  the  damsel,  and  follow  the  quest  that  I  was  in 
where  as  she  will  lead  you,  and  revenge  my  death  when 
ye  may  best." 

"That  shall  I  do,"  said  Balin,  "and  thereof  I  make  a 
vow  to  you,  by  my  knighthood." 

And  so  he  departed  from  this  knight,  making  great 
sorrow.  So  King  Arthur  let  bury  this  knight  richly,  and 
made  a  .nention  upon  the  tomb,  how  there  was  slain  Her- 
leus  le  Berbeus,  and  also  how  the  treachery  was  done  by 


Of  King  Arthur.  39 

the  knight  Carton.    But  ever  the  damsel  bare  the  trun- 
cheon of  the  spear  with  her,  that  Sir  Heriens  was  slam 


CHAPTER  XX. 


AND  anon  after  this,  Balin  and  the  damsel  rode  tin 
they  came  to  a  castle,  and  there  Balin  alighted,  and 
he  and  the  damsel  wend  to  have  gone  into  the  castle. 
And  anon  as  Balin  came  within  the  castJe  gate,  the  port- 
coins  fell  down  at  his  back,  and  there  came  many  men 
about  the  damsel,  and  woold  hare  slain  her.  Andwhen 
Balin  saw  that,  he  was  sore  grieved,  became  he  might  not 
hcrp  the  «fam*iH,  And  then  he  went  «nn«  tin*  ••alfa  aiWi 
leapt  over  into  the  ditch  and  hurt  him  not,  and  anon  he 
pulled  out  his  sword  and  would  hare  i onghten  with  them. 
And  then  all  said  they  would  not  fight  with  him,  for  they 
did  nothing  hot  the  old  custom  of  the  castle,  and  told  him 
how  their  lady  was  skk,  and  had  lain  many  years,  and 
she  might  not  be  whole  but  if  she  had  a  silver  dish  foU 
of  blood  of  a  maid  and  a  king's  daughter;  and  therefore 
the  custom  of  this  castle  is  tfrat  there  «J**TI  none  pas* 
this  way  bat  that  she  shall  bleed  of  her  Wood  a  silver 

J-    1     f—.n 

msn  run. 

"Well,-  said  Balm,  "she  shall  bleed  as  much  as  she 
may  bleed,  but  I  wffl  not  that  she  leese  {lose]  her  fife 
while  my  fife  lasteth." 

And  so  Balin  made  her  to  bleed  by  her  good  wflL  But 
her  blood  helped  not  the  lady. 


40  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

How  BALIN  MET  WITH  THE  KNIGHT  NAMED  GARLON  AT  A  FEAST,  AND 
THERE  HE  SLEW  HIM  TO  HAVE  HIS  BLOOD  TO  HEAL  THEREWITH  THK 
SON  OF  HIS  HOST. 

THEN  they  rode  three  or  four  days,  and  never  met 
with  adventure  ;  and  by  hap  they  were  lodged  with 
a  gentleman  that  was  a  rich  man  and  well  at  ease.  And 
as  they  sat  at  their  supper,  Balin  heard  one  complain 
grievously  by  him  in  a  chair. 

"What  is  this  noise  ?"  said  Balin. 

"Forsooth,"  said  his  host,  "I  will  tell  you.  I  was  but 
late  at  a  jousting,  and  there  I  jousted  with  a  knight  that 
is  brother  unto  King  Pellam,  and  twice  smote  I  him  down ; 
and  then  he  promised  to  quit  \_pay\  me  on  my  best  friend, 
and  so  he  wounded  my  son,  that  cannot  be  whole  till  I 
have  of  that  knight's  blood,  a^d  he  rideth  alway  invisible, 
but  I  know  not  his  name." 

"Ah,"  said  Balin,  "I  know  that  knight,  his  name  is 
Garlon,  he  hath  slain  two  knights  of  mine  in  the  same 
manner,  therefore  I  had  rather  meet  with  that  knight 
than  all  the  gold  in  this  realm,  for  the  despite  he  hath 
done  me." 

"  Well,"  said  his  host,  "  I  shall  tell  you,  King  Pellam  of 
Listeneise  hath  made  cry  in  all  this  country  a  great  feast 
that  shall  be  within  these  twenty  days,  and  no  knight  may 
come  there  but  if  he  bring  his  wife  with  him,  or  his  love ; 
and  that  knight,  your  enemy  and  mine,  ye  shall  see  that 
day." 

"Then  I  promise  you,"  said  Balin,  "part  of  his  blood 
to  heal  your  son  withal." 


Of  King  ArOm.  41 

"We  will  be  forward  to-morrow,"  said  his  host. 

So  on  the  morn  they  rode  all  three  toward  Pellam,  and 
they  had  fifteen  days'  journey  or  \ere\  they  came  thither ; 
and  that  same  day  began  the  great  feast.  And  so  they 
alight  and  stabled  their  horses,  and  went  into  the  castle ; 
but  Balin's  host  might  not  be  let  in  because  he  had  no 
lady.  Then  Balin  was  well  received,  and  brought  unto  a 
chamber  and  unarmed  him,  and  they  brought  him  robes 
to  his  pleasure,  and  would  have  had  Balin  leave  his  sword 
behind  him- 

"Nay,"  said  Balin,  "that  do  I  not,  for  it  is  the  custom 
of  my  country  a  knight  alway  to  keep  his  weapon  with 
him,  and  that  custom  will  I  keep,  or  else  I  will  depart  as 
I  came." 

Then  they  gave  him  leave  to  wear  his  sword,  and  so 
he  went  unto  the  castle,  and  was  set  among  knights  of 
worship,  and  his  lady  afore  him.  Soon  Balin  asked  a 
knight,  "  Is  there  not  a  knight  in  this  court  whose  name 
isGarion?" 

"Yonder  he  goeth,"  said  a  knight,  "he  with  the  black 
face ;  he  is  the  marvellest  knight  that  is  now  living,  for 
he  destroyeth  many  good  knights,  for  he  goeth  invisible." 

"Ah.  well,"  said  Balm,  "is  that  he?" 

Then  Balm  advised  him  long:  —  "If  I  slay  him  here 
I  shall  not  escape,  and  if  I  leave  him  now  peradventure  I 
shall  never  meet  with  him  again  at  such  a  good  [time], 
and  much  harm  he  win  do  and  [*/]  he  live." 

Therewith  this  Garlon  espied  that  this  Balin  beheld 
him,  and  then  he  came  and  smote  Balin  on  the  face  with 
the  back  of  his  hand,  and  said,  «•  Knight,  why  beholdest 
thou  me  so?  for  shame,  therefore,  eat  thy  meat,  and  do 
that  thou  came  for." 

"Thou  sayest  sooth,"  said  Balin,  "this  is  not  the  first 


42  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"despite  that  thou  hast  done  me,  and  therefore  I  will  do 
that  I  came  for ; "  and  rose  up  fiercely,  and  clave  his  head 
to  the  shoulders. 

"  Give  me  the  truncheon,"  said  Balin  to  his  lady, 
"wherewith  he  slew  your  knight." 

Anon  she  gave  it  him,  for  alvvay  she  bare  the  truncheon 
with  her;  and  therewith  Balin  smote  him  through  the 
body,  and  said  openly,  "  With  that  truncheon  thou  hast 
slain  a  good  knight,  and  now  it  sticketh  in  thy  body." 

And  then  Balin  called  to  him  his  host,  saying,  "Now 
may  ye  fetch  blood  enough  to  heal  your  son  withal." 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

How  BALIN  FOUGHT  WITH  KING  PELLAM,  AND  HOW  HIS  SWORD  BRAKE, 
AND  HOW  HE  GAT  A  SPEAR  WHEREWITH  HE  SMOTE  THE  DOLOROUS 
STROKE. 

ANON  all  the  knights  arose  from  the  table  for  to 
set  on  Balin.     And  King  Pellam  himself  arose  up 
fiercely,  and  said,  "  Knight,  hast  thou  slain  my  brother  ? 
thou  shalt  die  therefore  or  thou  depart." 
'Well,"  said  Balin,  "do  it  yourself." 
'Yes,"  said  King  Pellam,  "there  shall  no  man  have 
ado  with  thee  but  myself,  for  the  love  of  my  brother." 
Then  King  Pellam  caught  in  his  hand  a  grim  weapon 
and   smote   eagerly  at  Balin,  but   Balin   put   the   sword 
betwixt  his  head  and  the  stroke,  and  therewith  his  sword 
burst  in  sunder.     And  when  Balin  was  weaponless  he  ran 
into  a  chamber  for  to  seek  some  weapon,  and  so  from 
chamber  to  chamber,  and  no  weapon  could  he  find,  and 
alway  King  Pellam  followed  him  ;   and  at  the  last  he 


Of  King  Arthur.  43 

entered  into  a  chamber  that  was  marvellously  well  dight 
\Jurnishf d\  and  richly,  and  a  bed  arrayed  with  cloth  of 
gold,  the  richest  that  might  be  thought,  and  one  lying 
therein;  and  thereby  stood  a  table  of  clean  gold,  with 
four  pillars  of  silver  that  bare  up  the  table,  and  upon  the 
table  stood  a  marvellous  spear  strangely  wrought.  And 
when  Balin  saw  the  spear,  he  gat  it  in  his  hand,  and 
turned  him  to  King  Pellam,  and  smote  him  passingly  sore 
with  that  spear,  that  King  Pellam  fell  down  in  a  swoon, 
and  therewith  the  castle  rove  \voas  riven],  and  walls  brake 
and  fell  to  the  earth,  and  Balin  fell  down  so  that  he  might 
not  stir  hand  nor  foot  And  so  the  most  part  of  the  castle 
that  was  fallen  down  through  that  Dolorous  Stroke  lay 
upon  King  Pellam  and  Balin  three  days. 

Then  Merlin  came  thither,  and  took  up  Balin,  and  gat 
him  a  good  horse,  for  his  horse  was  dead,  and  bade  him 
ride  out  of  that  country. 


CHAPTER   XXIIL 
How  BALI*  MET  WITH  HIS  BROTHER  BALAN,  AND  HOW  EACH  OF  THEM 

SLEW  OTHER  UNKNOWN,  TILL  THEY  WERE  WOUNDED  TO  DEATH. 

THEN  afore  him  he  saw  come  riding  out  of  a  castle  a 
knight,  and  his  horse  trapped  all  red,  and  himself  in 
the  same  color.  When  this  knight  in  the  red  beheld 
Balin,  him  thought  it  should  be  his  brother  Balin  because 
of  his  two  swords,  but  because  he  knew  not  his  shield,  he 
deemed  it  was  not  he.  And  so  they  aventred  \adventured\ 
their  spears,  and  came  marvellously  fast  together,  and  they 
smote  each  other  in  the  shields,  but  their  spears  and  their 
course  was  so  big  that  it  bare  down  horse  and  man,  that 


44  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

they  lay  both  in  a  swoon.  But  Balm  was  bruised  sore 
with  the  fall  of  his  horse,  for  he  was  weary  of  travel. 
And  Balan  was  the  first  that  rose  on  foot  and  drew  his 
sword,  and  went  toward  Balm,  and  he  arose  and  went 
against  him,  but  Balan  smote  Balin  first,  and  he  put  up 
his  shield,  and  smote  him  through  the  shield  and  cleft  his 
helm.  Then  Balin  smote  him  again  with  that  unhappy 
sword,  and  well  nigh  had  felled  his  brother  Balan,  and  so 
they  fought  there  together  till  their  breaths  failed.  Then 
Balin  looked  up  to  the  castle,  and  saw  the  towers  stand 
full  of  ladies.  So  they  went  to  battle  again,  and  wounded 
each  other  dolefully,  and  then  they  breathed  oft-times,  and 
so  went  unto  battle,  that  all  the  place  there  as  they  fought 
was  blood  red.  And  at  that  time  there  was  none  of  them 
both  but  they  had  either  smitten  other  seven  great  wounds, 
so  that  the  least  of  them  might  have  been  the  death  of  the 
mightiest  giant  in  this  world.  Then  they  went  to  battle 
again  so  marvellously  that  doubt  it  was  to  hear  of  that 
battle  for  the  great  bloodshedding,  and  their  hauberks 
unnailed,  that  naked  they  were  on  every  side.  At  the  last 
Balan,  the  younger  brother,  withdrew  him  a  little  and  laid 
him  down.  Then  said  Balin  le  Savage,  "What  knight 
art  thou  ?  for  or  [ere]  now  I  found  never  no  knight  that 
matched  me." 

"My  name  is,"  said  he,  "Balan,  brother  to  the  good 
knight  Balin." 

"Alas ! "  said  Balin,  "that  ever  I  should  see  this  day." 
And  therewith  he  fell  backward  in  a  swoon.  Then 
Balan  went  on  all  four  feet  and  hands,  and  put  off  the 
helm  of  his  brother,  and  might  not  know  him  by  the  vis- 
age it  was  so  full  hewn  and  bled ;  but  when  he  awoke  he 
said,  "O  Balan,  my  brother,  thou  hast  slain  me  and  I 
thee,  wherefore  all  the  wide  world  shall  speak  of  us  both." 


Of  King  Arthur.  45 

"Alas!"  said  Balan,  "that  ever  I  saw  this  day,  that 
through  mishap  I  might  not  know  you,  for  I  espied  well 
your  two  swords,  but  because  ye  had  another  shield  I 
deemed  you  had  been  another  knight." 

"  Alas  ! "  said  Balin,  "all  that  made  an  unhappy  knight 
in  the  castle,  for  he  caused  me  to  leave  mine  own  shield 
to  our  both's  destruction,  and  if  I  might  live  I  would 
destroy  that  castle  for  ill  customs." 

"  That  were  well  done,"  said  Balan,  "  for  I  had  never 
grace  to  depart  from  them  since  that  I  came  hither,  for 
here  it  happed  me  to  slay  a  knight  that  kept  this  island, 
and  since  might  I  never  depart,  and  no  more  should  ye 
brother,  and  ye  might  have  slain  me  as  ye  have,  and 
escaped  yourself  with  the  life." 

Right  so  came  the  lady  of  the  tower  with  four  knights 
and  six  ladies  and  six  yeomen  unto  them,  and  there  she 
heard  how  they  made  their  moan  either  to  other,  and 
said,  "We  came  both  of  one  [mother],  and  so  shall  we 
lie  both  in  one  pit." 

So  Balan  prayed  the  lady  of  her  gentleness,  for  his  true 
sen*ice  that  she  would  bury  them  both  in  that  same  place 
there  the  battle  was  done.  And  she  granted  them  with 
weeping  it  should  be  done  richly  in  the  best  manner. 

"  Now  will  ye  send  for  a  priest,  that  we  may  receive  our 
sacrament  and  receive  the  blessed  body  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ" 

"Yea,"  said  the  lady,  "it  shall  be  done." 

And  so  she  sent  for  a  priest  and  gave  them  then*  rites. 

"  Now,"  said  Balin,  "  when  we  are  buried  in  one  tomb, 
and  the  mention  made  over  us  how  two  brethren  slew 
each  other,  there  will  never  good  knight  nor  good  man  sec 
our  tomb  but  they  will  pray  for  our  souls." 

And  so  all  the  ladies  and  gentlewomen  wept  for  pity. 


46  The  Boy's  King  Atihur. 

Then,  anon  Balan  died,  but  Balin  died  not  till  the  mid- 
night after,  and  so  were  they  buried  both,  and  the  lady  let 
make  a  mention  of  Balan  how  he  was  there  slain  by  his 
brother's  hands,  but  she  knew  not  Balin's  name. 

In  the  morn  came  Merlin  and  let  write  Balin's  name 
upon  the  tomb,  with  letters  of  gold,  That  here  lieth  Balin 
le  Savage,  that  was  the  knight  with  the  two  swords,  and 
he  that  smote  the  Dolorous  Stroke. 

Soon  after  this  was  done  Merlin  came  to  King  Arthur 
and  told  him  of  the  Dolorous  Stroke  that  Balin  gave  to 
King  Pellam,  and  how  Balin  and  Balan  fought  together 
the  most  marvellous  battle  that  ever  was  heard  of,  and 
how  they  were  buried  both  in  one  tomb. 

"Alas!"  said  King  Arthur,  "this  is  the  greatest  pity 
that  ever  I  heard  tell  of  two  knights,  for  in  the  world  I 
know  not  such  two  knights." 

Thus  endeth  the  tale  of  Balin  and  Balan,  two  brethren 
born  in  Northumberland,  good  knights. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

How  KING  ARTHUR  TOOK  AND  WEDDED  GUENEVER  UNTO  HIS  WIFE. 

IT  befell  on  a  time  that  King  Arthur  said  to  Merlin : 
"  My  barons  will  let  me  have  no  rest,  but  needs  they 
will  have  that  I  take  a  wife,  and  I  will  none  take  but  by 
thy  counsel  and  by  thine  advice." 

"It  is  well  done,"  said  Merlin,  "that  ye  take  a  wife, 
for  a  man  of  your  bounty  and  nobleness  should  not  be 
without  a  wife.  Now  is  there  any  fair  lady  that  ye  love 
better  than  another  ? " 

"  Yea,"  said  King  Arthur,  "  I  love  Guenever,  the  king's 


Of  King  Arthur.  47 

daughter  Leodegrance  *  of  the  land  of  Cameliard,  which 
Leodegrance  holdeth  in  his  house  the  Table  Round  that 
ye  told  he  had  of  my  father  Uther.  And  this  damsel  is 
the  most  gentlest  and  fairest  lady  that  I  know  living,  or 
yet  that  ever  I  could  find" 

And  Merlin  went  forth  to  King  Leodegrance  of  Camel- 
iard, and  told  him  of  the  desire  of  the  king,  that  he  would 
have  to  his  wife  Guenever  his  daughter. 

"That  is  to  me,"  said  King  Leodegrance,  "the  best 
tidings  that  ever  I  heard,  that  so  worthy  a  king  of  prowess 
and  of  nobleness  will  wed  my  daughter.  And  as  for  my 
lands  I  will  give  him,  wished  I  that  it  might  please  him, 
but  he  hath  lands  enough,  he  needeth  none ;  but  I  shall 
send  him  a  gift  that  shall  please  him  much  more,  for  1 
shall  give  him  the  Table  Round,  the  which  Utherpen- 
dragon  gave  me ;  and  when  it  is  full  complete,  there  is 
an  hundred  knights  and  fifty,  and  as  for  an  hundred  good 
knights  I  have  myself,  but  I  lack  fifty,  for  so  many  have 
been  slain  in  my  days." 

And  so  King  Leodegrance  delivered  his  daughter 
Guenever  unto  Merlin,  and  the  Table  Round  with  the 
hundred  knights ;  and  so  they  rode  freshly  with  great 
ro}-alty,  what  by  water  and  what  by  land,  till  they  came 
that  night  unto  London. 

1  "  The  king's  daughter  Leodegrance,"  King  Leodcgranct* 


48  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

How  THE  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  ROUND  TABLE  WERE  ORDAINED,  AND  HOW 
THEIR  SIEGES  [seats]  WERE  BLESSED  BY  THE  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CANTER- 
BURY. 

WHEN  King  Arthur  heard  of  the  coming  of  Guenever 
and  the  hundred  knights  with  the  Table  Round, 
he  made  great  joy  for  their  coming,  and  said  openly, 
"  This  fair  lady  is  passing  welcome  to  me,  for  I  loved  her 
long,  and  therefore  there  is  nothing  so  pleasing  to  me. 
And  these  knights  with  the  Round  Table  please  me  more 
than  right  great  riches." 

Then  in  all  haste  the  king  did  ordain  for  the  marriage 
and  the  coronation  in  the  most  honorablest  wise  that 
could  be  devised. 

"Now  Merlin,"  said  King  Arthur,  "go  thou  and  espy 
me  in  all  this  land  fifty  knights  which  be  of  most  prowess 
and  worship." 

Within  short  time  Merlin  had  found  such  knights  that 
should  fulfil  twenty  and  eight  knights,  but  no  more  he 
could  find.  Then  the  bishop  of  Canterbury  was  fetched, 
and  he  blessed  the  sieges  \seats~\  with  great  royalty  and 
devotion,  and  there  set  the  eight  and  twenty  knights  in 
their  sieges. 

And  when  this  was  done  Merlin  said,  "  Fair  sirs,  ye 
must  all  arise  and  come  to  King  Arthur  for  to  do  him 
homage  ;  he  will  have  the  better  will  to  maintain  you." 

And  so  they  arose  and  did  their  homage.  And  when 
they  were  gone  Merlin  found  in  every  siege  letters  of 
gold  that  told  the  knights'  names  that  had  sitten  therein. 
But  two  sieges  were  void. 


Of  King  Arthur.  49 

"What  is  the  cause,"  said  King  Arthur,  "that  there  be 
two  places  void  in  the  sieges  ?  " 

"Sir,"  said  Merlin,  "there  shall  no  man  sit  in  those 
places  but  they  that  shall  be  of  most  worship.  But  in  the 
Siege  Perilous  there  shall  no  man  sit  therein  but  one,  and 
if  there  be  any  so  hardy  to  do  it  he  shall  be  destroyed, 
and  he  that  shall  sit  there  shall  have  no  fellow." 

And  therewith  Merlin  took  King  Pellinore  by  the  hand, 
and,  in  the  one  hand  next  the  two  sieges  and  the  Siege 
Perilous,  he  said  in  open  audience,  "This  is  your  place, 
and  best  ye  be  worthy  to  sit  therein  of  any  that  is  here." 


BOOK    II. 
OF  SIR  LAUNCELOT  DU  LAKE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  AND  SIR  LIONEL  DEPARTED  FROM  THE  COURT 

FOR  TO  SEEK  ADVENTURES,  AND  HOW  SIR  LIONEL  LEFT  SlR  LAUNCE- 
LOT SLEEPING,  AND  WAS  TAKEN. 

ANON  after  that  the  noble  and  worthy  King  Arthur 
was  come  from  Rome  into  England,  all  the  knights 
of  the  Round  Table  resorted  unto  the  king,  and  made 
many  jousts  and  tournaments,  and  some  there  were  that 
were  good  knights,  which  increased  so  in  arms  and  wor- 
ship that  they  passed  all  their  fellows  in  prowess  and 
noble  deeds,  and  that  was  well  proved  on  many,  but 
especially  it  was  proved  on  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  For 
in  all  tournaments  and  jousts  and  deeds  of  arms,  both  for 
life  and  death,  he  passed  all  knights,  and  at  no  time  he 
was  never  overcome,  but  it  were  by  treason  or  enchant- 
ment. Wherefore  Queen  Guenever  had  him  in  great 
favor  above  all  other  knights,  and  certainly  he  loved  the 
queen  again  above  all  other  ladies  and  damsels  all  the 
days  of  his  life,  and  for  her  he  did  many  great  deeds  of 
arms,  and  saved  her  from  the  fire  through  his  noble 
chivalry.  Thus  Sir  Launcelot  rested  him  a  long  while 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake. 


wriih  play  and  game ;  and  then  he  thought  to  prove  him- 
self in  strange  adventures.  Then  he  bade  his  brother  Sir 
Lionel  to  make  Him  ready,  "  for  we  two  will  seek  adven- 
tures," 

So  they  mounted  upon  their  horses  armed  at  all  points, 
and  rode  into  a  deep  forest ;  and  after  they  came  into  a 
great  plain,  and  then  the  weather  was  hot  about  noon, 
and  Sir  Launcelot  had  great  list  \desire\  to  sleep, 

Then  Sir  Lionel  espied  a  great  apple  tree  that  stood  by 
an  hedge,  and  said :  "  Brother,  yonder  is  a  fair  shadow, 
there  may  we  rest  us  and  our  horses." 

"  It  is  well  said,  fair  brother,"  said  Sir  Launcelot ;  "for 
of  all  this  seven  year  I  was  not  so  sleepy  as  I  am  now." 

And  so  they  there  alighted  and  tied  their  horses  under 
sundry  trees,  and  so  Sir  Launcelot  laid  him  down  under 
an  apple  tree,  and  his  helm  he  laid  under  his  head  And 
Sir  Lionel  waked  while  he  slept  So  Sir  Launcelot  was 
asleep  passing  fast  And  in  the  mean  while  there  came 
three  knights  riding,  as  fast  fleeing  as  ever  they  might 
ride.  And  there  followed  them  three  but  one  knight 
And  when  Sir  Lionel  saw  him,  him  thought  he  saw  never 
so  great  a  knight  nor  so  well  faring  a  man,  neither  so 
well  apparelled  unto  all  rights.  So  within  a  while  this 
strong  knight  had  overtaken  one  of  these  knights,  and 
there  he  smote  him  to  the  cold  earth  that  he  lay  still. 
And  then  he  rode  unto  the  second  knight,  and  smote  him 
so  that  man  and  horse  fell  down.  And  then  straight  to 
the  third  knight  he  rode,  and  he  smote  him  behind  his 
horse's  tail  a  spear's  length.  And  then  he  alighted  down, 
and  reined  his  horse  on  the  bridle,  and  bound  all  the 
three  knights  fast  with  the  reins  of  their  own  bridles. 
When  Sir  Lionel  saw  him  do  thus,  he  thought  to  assay 
him,  and  made  him  ready,  and  stilly  and  privily  he  took  his 


52  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

horse,  and  thought  not  for  to  awake  Sir  Launcelot.  And 
when  he  was  mounted  upon  his  horse  he  overtook  this 
strong  knight  and  bade  him  turn:  and  the  other  smote 
Sir  Lionel  so  hard  that  horse  and  man  he  bare  to  the 
earth,  and  so  he  alighted  down  and  bound  him  fast,  and 
threw  him  overthwart  his  own  horse,  and  so  he  served 
them  all  four,  and  rode  with  them  away  to  his  own  castle. 
And  when  he  came  there,  he  made  unarm  them,  and  beat 
them  with  thorns  all  naked,  and  after  put  them  in  a  deep 
prison  where  there  were  many  more  knights  that  made 
great  dolor. 


CHAPTER  II. 

HOW  SIR  ECTOR  FOLLOWED  FOR  TO  SEEK  SlR  LAUNCELOT,  AND  HOW  HI 
WAS  TAKEN  BY  SlR  TURQUINE. 

WHEN  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  wist  that  Sir  Launcelot 
was  past  out  of  the  court  to  seek  adventures  he 
was  wroth  with  himself,  and  made  him  ready  to  seek  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  as  he  had  ridden  long  in  a  great  forest,  he 
met  with  a  man  that  was  like  a  forester.  "  Fair  fellow," 
said  Sir  Ector,  "knowest  thou  in  this  country  any  ad- 
ventures that  be  here  nigh  hand  ?  " 

"  Sir,"  said  the  forester,  "  this  country  know  I  well,  and 
hereby  within  this  mile  is  a  strong  manor,  and  well  diked, 
and  by  that  manor,  on  the  left  hand,  there  is  a  fair  ford  for 
horses  to  drink  of,  and  over  that  ford  there  groweth  a  fair 
tree,  and  thereon  hangeth  many  fair  shields  that  wielded 
sometime  good  knights:  and  at  the  hole  of  the  tree 
hangeth  a  basin  of  copper  and  laton  [brass],  and  strike 
upon  that  basin  with  the  butt  of  thy  spear  thrice,  and 
soon  after  thou  shalt  hear  new  tidings,  and  else  hast  thou 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Late.  53 

Ihe  fairest  grace  that  many  a  year  had  ever  knight  that 
passed  through  this  forest." 

"  Gramercy  "  [thanks],  said  Sir  Ector,  and  departed  and 
came  to  the  tree,  and  saw  many  fair  shields,  and  among 
them  he  saw  his  brother's  shield,  Sir  Lionel,  and  many 
more  that  he  knew  that  were  his  fellows  of  the  Round 
Table,  the  which  grieved  his  heart,  and  he  promised  to 
revenge  his  brother.  Then  anon  Sir  Ector  beat  on  the 
basin  as  he  were  wood  \crazy\,  and  then  he  gave  his  horse 
drink  at  the  ford :  and  there  came  a  knight  behind  him 
and  bade  him  come  out  of  the  water  and  make  him  ready  ; 
and  Sir  Ector  anon  turned  him  shortly,  and  in  f ewter  cast " 
his  spear,  and  smote  the  other  knight  a  great  buffet  that 
his  horse  turned  twice  about 

"This  was  well  done,"  said  the  strong  knight,  "and 
knightly  thou  hast  stricken  me : "  and  therewith  he 
rushed  his  horse  on  Sir  Ector  and  caught  him  under 
his  right  arm,  and  bare  him  clean  out  of  the  saddle,  and 
rode  with  him  away  into  his  own  hall,  and  threw  him  down 
in  the  midst  of  the  floor.  The  name  of  this  knight  was 
Sir  Turqume.  Then  he  said  unto  Sir  Ector,  "  For  thou 
hast  done  this  day  more  unto  me  than  any  knight  did 
these  twelve  years,  now  will  I  grant  thee  thy  life,  so  thou 
wilt  be  sworn  to  be  my  prisoner  all  thy  life  days." 

"  Nay,"  said  Sir  Ector,  "that  will  I  never  promise  thee, 
but  that  I  wifl  do  mine  advantage." 

"That  me  repenteth,"  said  Sir  Turquine. 

And  then  he  made  to  unarm  him,  and  beat  him  with 
thorns  all  naked,  and  after  put  him  down  in  a  deep  dun- 
geon, where  he  knew  many  of  his  fellows.  But  when  Sit 
Ector  saw  Sir  Lionel,  then  made  he  great  sorrow. 

•  "  In  fewter  oat  Ins  spear,"  im  rat  fUeed  tu  tftmr. 


54  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

11  Alas,  brother,"  said  Sir  Ector,  "  where  is  my  brother 
Sir  Launcelot  ? " 

"  Fair  brother,  I  left  him  on  sleep  when  that  I  from  hin, 
went,  under  an  apple  tree,  and  what  is  become  of  him  1 
cannot  tell  you." 

"Alas,"  said  the  knights,  "but  Sir  Launcelot  help  us 
we  may  never  be  delivered,  for  we  know  now  no  knight 
that  is  able  to  match  our  master  Turquine." 


CHAPTER   III. 

How  FOUR  QUEENS  FOUND  SIR  LAUNCELOT  SLEEPING,  AND  HOW  BY 
ENCHANTMENT  HE  WAS  TAKEN  AND  LED  INTO  A  CASTLE. 

NOW  leave  we  these  knights  prisoners,  and  speak  we 
of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  that  lieth  under  the  apple 
tree  sleeping.  Even  about  the  noon  there  came  by  him 
four  queens  of  great  estate ;  and,  for  the  heat  of  the  sun 
should  not  annoy  them,  there  rode  four  knights  about 
them  and  bare  a  cloth  of  green  silk  on  four  spears,  be- 
twixt them  and  the  sun,  and  the  queens  rode  on  four 
white  mules. 

Thus  as  they  rode  they  heard  by  them  a  great  horse 
grimly  neigh,  and  then  were  they  ware  of  a  sleeping 
knight  that  lay  all  armed  under  an  apple  tree ;  anon  as 
these  queens  looked  on  his  face  they  knew  that  it  was 
Sir  Launcelot.  Then  they  began  for  to  strive  for  that 
knight ;  every  one  said  she  would  have  him  to  her  love. 

"We  shall  not  strive,"  said  Morgan  le  Fay  that  was 
King  Arthur's  sister ;  "  I  shall  put  an  enchantment  upon 
him  that  he  shall  not  awake  in  six  hours,  and  then  I  will 
lead  him  away  unto  my  castle,  and  when  he  is  surely  within 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  55 

my  hold  I  shall  take  the  enchantment  from  him,  and  then 
let  him  choose  which  of  us  he  will  have  for  his  love." 

So  this  enchantment  was  cast  upon  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
then  they  laid  him  upon  his  shield,  and  bare  him  so  on 
horseback  betwixt  two  knights,  and  brought  him  unto  the 
castle  Chariot,  and  there  they  laid  aim  in  a  chamber  cold, 
and  at  night  they  sent  unto  him  a  fair  damsel  with  his 
supper  ready  djght  By  that  the  enchantment  was  past, 
and  when  she  came  she  saluted  him,  and  asked  him  what 
cheer? 

"I  cannot  say,  fair  damsel,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "for 
I  wot  not  how  I  came  into  this  castle  but  it  be  by  an 
enchantment." 

"Sir,"  said  she,  "ye  must  make  good  cheer,  and  if  ye 
be  such  a  knight  as  is  said  ye  be,  I  shall  tell  you  more 
tomorn  \to*norrow\  by  prime  \the  first  hour\  of  the  day." 

"  Gramercy,  fair  damsel,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  of  your 
good  will  I  require  you." 

And  so  she  departed.  And  there  he  lay  all  that  night 
without  comfort  of  anybody. 

And  on  the  morn  early  came  these  four  queens,  passingly 
well  beseen,  all  they  bidding  him  good  morn,  and  he  them 
qgun. 

"Sir  knight,"  the  four  queens  said,  "thou  must  under- 
stand thou  art  our  prisoner,  and  we  here  know  thee  well, 
that  thou  art  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  King  Ban's  son. 
And  truly  we  understand  your  worthiness  that  thou  art 
the  noblest  knight  living;  and  therefore  thee  behoveth 
now  to  choose  one  of  us  four.  I  am  the  queen  Morgan 
le  Fay,  queen  of  the  land  of  Gore,  and  here  is  the  queen 
of  Northgalis,  and  the  queen  of  Eastland,  and  the  queen 
of  the  Out  Isles ;  now  choose  ye  one  of  us  which  thou 
wilt  have  to  thy  love,  for  thou  mayst  not  choose  or  else  in 
this  prison  to  die." 


56  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  This  is  an  hard  case,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  that  either 
I  must  die  or  else  choose  one  of  you,  yet  had  I  liever  to 
die  in  this  prison  with  worship,  than  to  have  one  of  you 
to  my  love  maugre  my  head.  And  therefore  ye  be  an- 
swered, for  I  will  have  none  of  you,  for  ye  be  false 
enchantresses." 

"  Well,"  said  the  queens,  "  is  this  your  answer,  that  you 
will  refuse  us  ?  " 

"  Yea,  upon  my  life,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  refused  ye 
be  of  me." 

So  they  departed,  and  left  him  there  alone  that  made 
great  sorrow. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
How  SIK.  LAUNCELOT  WAS  DELIVERED  BY  THE  MEANS  OF  A  DAMSEL. 

T3  IGHT  so  at  noon  came  the  damsel  to  him,  and  brought 
JLv  him  his  dinner,  and  asked  him  what  cheer. 

"  Truly,  fair  damsel,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  in  all  my  life- 
days  never  so  ill." 

"  Sir,"  said  she,  "  that  me  repenteth  ;  but  and  ye  will 
be  ruled  by  me,  I  shall  help  you  out  of  this  distress,  and 
ye  shall  have  no  shame  nor  villany,  so  that  ye  hold  me  a 
promise." 

"Fair  damsel,  that  I  will  grant  you,  and  sore  I  am 
afeared  of  these  queen's  witches,  for  they  have  destroyed 
many  a  good  knight." 

"  Sir,"  said  she,  "  that  is  sooth,  and  for  the  renown  and 
bounty  they  hear  of  you,  £hey  would  have  your  love,  and, 
sir,  they  say  that  your  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake, 
the  flower  of  all  the  knights  that  been  living,  and  they 


Of  Sir  LoMMcelot  d*  Lake.  57 

been  passing  wroth  with  yon  that  ye  have  refused  them ; 
hot,  sir,  and  ye  would  promise  me  for  to  help  my  father 
on  Tuesday  next  coming,  that  hath  made  a  tournament 
between  him  and  the  king  of  Northgalis ;  for  the  Tuesday 
last  past  my  father  lost  the  field  through  three  knights  of 
King  Arthur's  court,  and  if  ye  wiH  be  there  upon  Tuesday 
next  coming  and  help  my  father,  to-morrow  or  [rrr]  prime* 
by  the  grace  of  God,  I  shall  deliver  you  dean." 

"Fair  maiden,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "tell  me  what  is 
your  father's  name,  and  then  shall  I  give  yon  an  answer." 

"Sir  knight,"  said  the  damsel,  "my  father  is  King 
"RagrifmapriKj  that  was  fnnlly  rebuked  at  the  last  tourna 
menL" 

"I  know  your  father  well,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "for  a 
noble  king  and  a  good  knight,  and  by  the  faith  of  my 
body,  ye  shall  have  my  body  ready  to  do  your  father  and 
you  service  at  that  day." 

"Sir,"  said  the  Hams^l,  "  gramercy,  and  to-morrow  await 
that  ye  be  ready  betimes,  and  I  shall  deliver  you ;  and 
take  you  your  armor  and  your  horse,  shield,  and  spear; 
and  hereby  within  these  ten  miles  is  an  abbey  of  white 
monks,  and  there  I  pray  yon  to  abide,  and  thither  shall  I 
bring  my  father  unto  you." 

"All  this  shall  be  done,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "as  I  am  a 
true  knight," 

And  so  she  departed,  and  came  on  the  morrow  early 
and  found  him  ready.  Then  she  brought  him  out  ot 
twelve  locks,  and  brought  him  unto  his  armor.  And 
when  he  was  all  armed  and  arrayed,  she  brought  him 
unto  his  own  horse,  and  lightly  he  saddled  him,  and 
took  a  great  spear  in  his  hand,  and  so  rode  forth,  and 
said,  "Fair  damsel,  I  shall  not  fail  you,  by  the  grace  of 
God." 


58  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

And  so  he  rode  into  a  great  forest  all  that  day,  and  in 
no  wise  could  he  find  any  highway,  and  so  the  night  fell 
on  him,  and  then  was  he  ware  in  a  slade  [glade]  of  a 
pavilion  of  red  sendall.1  "By  my  faith,"  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot, "in  that  pavilion  will  I  lodge  all  this  night."  And 
so  there  he  alighted  down,  and  tied  his  horse  to  the 
pavilion,  and  there  he  unarmed  him,  and  found  there  a 
rich  bed  and  laid  him  therein,  and  anon  he  fell  on  sleep. 

So  thus  within  a  while  the  night  passed  and  the  day 
appeared,  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  armed  him  and  mounted 
upon  his  horse,  and  took  his  leave,  and  they  showed  him 
the  way  towards  the  abbey,  and  thither  they  rode  within 
the  space  of  two  hours. 


CHAPTER  V. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  RECEIVED  OF  KING  BAGDEMAGUS'  DAUGHTER, 

AND  HOW  HE  MADE  HIS  COMPLAINT  UNTO  HER  FATHER. 

A  S  soon  as  Sir  Launcelot  came  within  the  abbey  yard, 
•L±  King  Bagdemagus'  daughter  heard  a  great  horse  go 
on  the  pavement.  And  then  she  arose  and  went  unto  a 
window,  and  there  she  saw  that  it  was  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
anon  she  made  men  hastily  to  go  to  him,  which  took  his 
horse  and  led  him  into  a  stable,  and  himself  was  led  into 
a  fair  chamber,  and  there  he  unarmed  him,  and  the  lady 
sent  to  him  a  long  gown,  and  anon  she  came  herself. 
And  then  she  made  Sir  Launcelot  passing  good  cheer, 
and  she  said  he  was  the  knight  in  the  world  that  was  most 
welcome  to  her.  Then  she  in  all  the  haste  sent  for  her 
father  King  Bagdemagus,  that  was  within  twelve  miles  of 

1  "  Sendall,"  a  kind  of  silk. 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  59 

that  abbey,  and  before  even  he  came  with  a  fair  fellowship 
of  knights  with  him.  And  when  the  king  was  alighted 
from  his  horse,  he  went  straight  unto  Sir  Launcelot's 
chamber,  and  there  found  his  daughter,  and  then  the 
king  embraced  Sir  Launcelot  in  his  arms,  and  either 
made  other  good  cheer.  Anon  Sir  Launcelot  made  his 
complaint  unto  the  king  how  he  was  betrayed,  and  how 
his  brother  Sir  Lionel  was  departed  from  him  he  wist  not 
whither,  and  how  his  daughter  had  delivered  him  out  of 
prison,  "  wherefore  I  shall  while  I  live  do  her  service  and 
all  her  friends  and  kindred." 

"  Then  am  I  sure  of  your  help,"  said  the  king,  "  now  on 
Tuesday  next  coming  ? " 

"  Ye,  sir,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  I  shall  not  fail  you,  for 
so  have  I  promised  unto  my  lady,  your  daughter.  As  I 
hear  say  that  the  tournament  shall  be  within  this  three 
mile  of  this  abbey,  ye  shall  send  unto  me  three  knights  of 
yours  such  as  ye  trust,  and  look  that  the  three  knights 
have  all  white  shields,  and  I  also,  and  no  painture  on  the 
shields,  and  we  four  will  come  out  of  a  little  wood  in  the 
midst  of  both  parties,  and  we  shall  fall  in  the  front  of  our 
enemies  and  grieve  them  that  we  may ;  and  thus  shall  I 
not  be  known  what  knight  I  am."  So  they  took  their 
rest  that  night,  and  this  was  on  the  Sunday.  And  so 
the  king  departed,  and  sent  unto  Sir  Launcelot  three 
knights,  with  the  four  white  shields. 

And  on  the  Tuesday  they  lodged  them  in  a  little  leaved 
wood  beside  there  the  tournament  should  be.  And  there 
were  scaffolds  that  lords  and  ladies  might  behold,  and  to 
give  the  prize.  Then  came  into  the  field  the  king  of 
Northgalis  with  eightscore  helms.  And  then  the  three 
knights  of  Arthur  stood  by  themselves.  Then  came  into 
the  field  King  Bagdamagus  with  fourscore  of  helms.  And 


60  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

then  they  fewtred  {placed  in  rest]  their  spears,  and  came 
together  with  a  great  dash,  and  there  were  slain  of  knights, 
at  the  first  encounter,  twelve  of  King  Bagdemagus'  party, 
and  six  of  the  king  of  Northgalis'  party,  and  King  Bagde- 
magus' party  was  far  set  aback. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  BEHAVED  HIM  IN  A  TOURNAMENT,  AND  HOW  H» 

MET  WITH  SIR  TURQUINE  LEADING  AWAY  SlR  GAHERIS. 

WITH  that  came  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  he 
thrust  in  with  his  spear  in  the  thickest  of  the 
press,  and  there  he  smote  down  with  one  spear  five 
knights,  and  of  four  of  them  he  brake  their  backs.  And 
in  that  throng  he  smote  down  the  king  of  Northgalis,  and 
brake  his  thigh  in  that  fall.  All  this  doing  of  Sir  Launce- 
lot saw  the  three  knights  of  Arthur. 

"Yonder  is  a  shrewd  guest,"  said  Sir  Mador  de  la 
Porte,  "therefore  have  here  once  at  him." 

So  they  encountered,  and  Sir  Launcelot  bare  him  down 
horse  and  man,  so  that  his  shoulder  went  out  of  joint. 

"  Now  befalleth  it  to  me  to  joust,"  said  Mordred,  "  for 
Sir  Mador  hath  a  sore  fall." 

Sir  Launcelot  was  ware  of  him,  and  gat  a  great  spear  in 
his  hand,  and  met  him,  and  Sir  Mordred  brake  a  spear 
upon  him,  and  Sir  Launcelot  gave  him  such  a  buffet  that 
the  bow  of  his  saddle  brake,  and  so  he  flew  over  his  horse's 
tail,  that  his  helm  went  into  the  earth  a  foot  and  more, 
that  nigh  his  neck  was  broken,  and  there  he  lay  long  in  a 
swoon.  Then  came  in  Sir  Gahalatine  with  a  spear,  and 
Launcelot  against  him,  with  all  their  strength  that  the> 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  61 

might  drive,  that  both  their  spears  to-brast  \burst  to  pieces] 
even  to  their  hands,  and  then  they  flung  out  with  their 
swords,  and  gave  many  a  grim  stroke.  Then  was  Sir 
Launcelot  wroth  out  of  measure,  and  then  he  smote  Sir 
Gahalatine  on  the  helm,  thai  his  nose  burst  out  on  blood, 
and  ears  and  mouth  both,  and  therewith  his  head  hung 
low.  And  therewith  his  horse  ran  away  with  him,  and  he 
fell  down  to  the  earth. 

Anon  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  gat  a  great  spear  in  his 
hand,  and,  or  \ere\  ever  that  great  spear  brake,  he  bare 
down  to  the  earth  sixteen  knights,  some  horse  and  man, 
and  some  the  man  and  not  the  horse,  and  there  was  none 
but  that  he  hit  surely.  He  bare  none  arms  \no  device  to 
be  known  by\  that  day.  And  then  he  gat  another  great 
spear,  and  smote  down  twelve  knights,  and  the  most  part 
of  them  never  throve  after.  And  then  the  knights  of  the 
king  of  Northgalis  would  joust  no  more,  and  there  the 
prize  was  given  unto  King  Bagdemagus.  So  either  party 
departed  unto  his  own  place,  and  Sir  Launcelot  rode  forth 
with  King  Bagdemagus  unto  his  castle,  and  there  he  had 
passing  good  cheer  both  with  the  king  and  with  his 
daughter,  and  they  proffered  him  great  gifts.  And  on 
the  morn  he  took  his  leave,  and  told  King  Bagdemagus 
that  he  would  go  and  seek  his  brother  Sir  Lionel,  that 
went  from  him  when  that  he  slept  So  he  took  his  horse, 
'and  betaught  \commendea\  them  all  to  God.  And  there 
he  said  unto  the  king's  daughter,  "  If  ye  have  need  any 
time  of  my  service,  I  pray  you  let  me  have  knowledge, 
and  I  shall  not  fail  you,  as  I  am  a  true  knight." 

And  so  Sir  Launcelot  departed,  and  by  adventure  he 
came  into  the  same  forest  where  he  was  taken  sleeping. 
And  in  the  midst  of  an  highway  he  met  a  damsel  riding 
on  a  white  palfrey,  and  there  either  saluted  other. 


62  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"Fair  damsel,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "know  ye  in  this 
country  any  adventures  ? " 

"  Sir  knight,"  said  that  damsel,  "  here  are  adventures 
near  hand,  and  \if~\  thou  durst  prove  them." 

"  Why  should  I  not  prove  adventures  ? "  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot ;  "for  that  cause  came  I  hither." 

"Well,"  said  she,  "thou  seemest  well  to  be  a  good 
knight,  and  if  thou  dare  meet  with  a  good  knight,  I  shall 
bring  thee  where  is  the  best  knight  and  the  mightiest 
that  ever  thou  foundest,  so  thou  wilt  tell  me  what  is  thy 
name,  and  what  knight  thou  art." 

"  Damsel,  as  for  to  tell  thee  my  name,  I  take  no  great 
force :  truly,  my  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake." 

"  Sir,  thou  beseemest  well,  here  be  adventures  by  that 
fall  for  thee,  for  hereby  dwelleth  a  knight  that  will  not  be 
overmatched  for  no  man  that  I  know,  unless  ye  overmatch 
him,  and  his  name  is  Sir  Turquine.  And,  as  I  understand, 
he  hath  in  his  prison  of  Arthur's  court  good  knights  three- 
score and  four  that  he  hath  won  with  his  own  hands.  But 
when  ye  have  done  that  day's  work  ye  shall  promise  me 
as  ye  are  a  true  knight  for  to  go  with  me,  and  to  help  me 
and  other  damsels  that  are  distressed  daily  with  a  false 
knight." 

"  All  your  intent,  damsel,  and  desire  I  will  fulfil,  so  ye 
will  bring  me  unto  this  knight." 

"  Now,  rair  knight,  come  on  your  way." 

And  so  she  brought  him  unto  the  ford,  and  unto  the 
tree  where  hung  the  basin.  So  Sir  Launcelot  let  his 
horse  drink,  and  then  he  beat  on  the  basin  with  the  butt 
of  his  spear  so  hard  with  all  his  might  till  the  bottom  fell 
out,  and  long  he  did  so,  but  he  saw  nothing.  Then  he 
rode  along  the  gates  of  that  manor  nigh  half  an  hour. 
And  then  was  he  ware  of  a  great  knight  that  drove  ar 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake*  63 

horse  afore  him,  and  overthwart  the  horse  there  lay  an 
armed  knight  bound.  And  ever  as  they  came  near  and 
near,  Sir  Launcelot  thought  he  should  know  him ;  then 
Sir  Launcelot  was  ware  that  it  was  Sir  Gaheris,  Gawaine's 
brother,  a  knight  of  the  Table  Round. 

"Now,  fair  damsel,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "I  see  yondet 
cometh  a  knight  fast  bound  that  is  a  fellow  of  mine,  and 
brot-er  he  is  unto  Sir  Gawaine.  And  at  the  first  begin- 
ning; I  promise  you,  by  the  leave  of  God,  to  rescue  that 
knight ;  and  unless  his  master  sit  better  in  the  saddle  I 
shall  deliver  all  the  prisoners  that  he  hath  out  of  danger, 
for  I  am  sure  that  he  hath  two  brethren  of  mine  prisoners 
with  him." 

By  that  time  that  either  had  seen  other  they  gripped 
their  spears  unto  them. 

"Now  fair  knight,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "put  that 
wounded  knight  off  the  horse,  and  let  him  rest  awhile, 
and  let  us  two  prove  our  strengths.  For  as  it  is  informed 
me,  thou  doest  and  hast  done  great  despite  and  shame 
onto  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  and  therefore  now 
defend  thee." 

"And  [if]  thou  be  of  the  Table  Round,"  said  Turquinc, 
- 1  defy  thee  and  all  thy  fellowship." 

"That  is  overmuch  said,"  said  Sir  Launcelot. 


CHAPTER  VH 
How  Snt  LjunrcttOT  jam  Sa  Tu*Qcnfm 

AND  then  they  put  their  spears  in  the  rests,  and  came 
together  with  their  horses  as  fast  as  they  might  run, 
and  either  smote  other  in  the  midst  of  their  shields,  that 


64  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

both  their  horses'  backs  brast  under  them,  and  the  knights 
were  both  astonied,  and  as  soon  as  they  might  avoid  their 
horses  they  took  their  shields  afore  them,  and  drew  out 
their  swords,  and  came  together  eagerly,  and  either  gave 
other  many  strong  strokes,  for  there  might  neither  shields 
nor  harness  hold  their  strokes.  And  so  within  a  while 
they  had  both  grimly  wounds,  and  bled  passing  grievously. 
Thus  they  fared  two  hours  or  more,  trasing  and  rasing 
{feinting  and  thrusting}  either  other  where  they  might  hit 
any  bare  place.  Then  at  the  last  they  were  breathless 
both,  and  stood  leaning  on  their  swords. 

"Now,  fellow,"  said  Sir  Turquine,  "hold  thy  hand 
awhile,  and  tell  me  what  I  shall  ask  thee." 

"Say  on." 

Then  Turquine  said,  "Thou  art  the  biggest  man  that 
ever  I  met  withal,  and  the  best  breathed,  and  like  one 
knight  that  I  hate  above  all  other  knights ;  so  be  it  that 
thou  be  not  he  I  will  lightly  accord  with  thee,  and  for  thy 
love  I  will  deliver  all  the  prisoners  that  I  have,  that  is 
threescore  and  four,  so  thou  wilt  tell  me  thy  name.  And 
thou  and  I  will  be  fellows  together,  and  never  to  fail  the 
while  that  I  live." 

"It  is  well  said,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "but  since  it  is 
so  that  I  may  have  thy  friendship,  what  knight  is  he  that 
thou  so  hatest  above  all  other  ? " 

"Truly,"  said  Sir  Turquine,  "his  name  is  Launcelot 
du  Lake,  for  he  slew  my  brother  Sir  Carados  at  the 
Dolorous  Tower,  which  was  one  of  the  best  knights  then 
living,  and  therefore  him  I  except  of  all  knights,  for  and 
[if]  I  may  once  meet  with  him,  that  one  of  us  shall  make 
an  end  of  another,  and  do  that  I  make  a  vow.  And  for 
Sir  Launcelot's  sake  I  have  slain  an  hundred  good  knights, 
and  as  many  I  have  utterly  maimed,  that  never  after  they 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  65 

might  help  themselves,  and  many  have  died  in  my  prison, 
and  yet  I  have  threescore  and  four,  and  all  shall  be 
delivered,  so  that  thou  wilt  tell  me  thy  name,  and  so  it 
be  that  thou  be  not  Sir  Launcelot." 

"  Now  see  I  well,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  that  such  a  man 
I  might  be  I  might  have  peace,  and  such  a  man  I  might 
be  there  should  be  between  us  two  mortal  war ;  and  now, 
sir  knight,  at  thy  request,  I  will  that  thou  wit  and  know 
that  I  am  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  King  Ban's  son  of  Ben- 
wick,  and  knight  of  the  Round  Table.  And  now  I  defy 
thee  do  thy  best." 

"  Ah ! "  said  Sir  Turquine,  "  Launcelot,  thou  art  unto 
me  most  welcome,  as  ever  was  any  knight,  for  we  shall 
never  depart  till  the  one  of  us  be  dead." 

And  then  hurtled  they  together  as  two  wild  bulls, 
rashing  and  lashing  with  their  shields  and  swords,  that 
sometime  they  fell  both  on  their  noses.  Thus  they 
fought  still  two  hours  and  more,  and  never  would  rest, 
and  Sir  Turquine  gave  Sir  Launcelot  many  wounds  that 
all  the  ground  there  as  they  fought  was  all  besprinkled 
with  blood 

Then  at  last  Sir  Turquine  waxed  very  faint,  and  gave 
somewhat  back,  and  bare  his  shield  full  low  for  weariness. 
That  soon  espied  Sir  Launcelot,  and  then  leaped  upon 
him  fiercely  as  a  lion,  and  got  him  by  the  banner  of  his 
helmet,  and  so  he  plucked  him  down  on  his  knees,  and 
anon  he  rased  [tore  off]  his  helm,  and  then  he  smote  his 
neck  asunder. 


66  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
How  SIR  LAUNCKLOT  SLEW  Two  GIANTS,  AND  MADE  A  CASTLE  FREE. 

SO  on  the  third  day  he  rode  over  a  long  bridge,  and 
there  started  upon  him  suddenly  a  passing  foul  churl, 
and  he  smote  his  horse  on  the  nose  that  he  turned  about, 
and  asked  him  why  he  rode  over  that  bridge  without  his 
license. 

"  Why  should  I  not  ride  this  way  ? "  said  Sir  Launcelot. 
"  I  may  not  ride  beside." 

"Thou  shalt  not  choose,"  said  the  churl,  and  lashed  at 
him  with  a  great  club  shod  with  iron.  Then  Sir  Launce- 
lot drew  a  sword,  and  put  the  stroke  aback,  and  clave  his 
head  unto  the  breast.  At  the  end  of  the  bridge  was  a  fair 
village,  and  all  the  people  men  and  women  cried  on  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  said,  "  A  worse  deed  didst  thou  never  for 
thyself,  for  thou  hast  slain  the  chief  porter  of  our  castle." 

Sir  Launcelot  let  them  say  what  they  would,  and  straight 
he  went  into  the  castle ;  and  when  he  came  into  the  castle 
he  alighted,  and  tied  his  horse  to  a  ring  on  the  wall ;  and 
there  he  saw  a  fair  green  court,  and  thither  he  dressed 
himself,  for  there  him  thought  was  a  fair  place  to  fight  in. 
So  he  looked  about,  and  saw  much  people  in  doors  and 
windows,  that  said,  "  Fair  knight,  thou  art  unhappy." 

Anon  withal  came  there  upon  him  two  great  giants, 
well  armed  all  save  the  heads,  with  two  horrible  clubs  in 
their  hands.  Sir  Launcelot  put  his  shield  afore  him,  and 
put  the  stroke  away  of  the  one  giant,  and  with  his  sword 
he  clave  his  head  asunder.  When  his  fellow  saw  that,  he 
ran  away  as  he  were  wood  [crazy],  for  fear  of  the  horrible 
strokes,  and  Sir  Launcelot  after  him  with  all  his  might, 


Of  .Sir  Lnuuelat  d*  Lake.  67 

and  smote  him  on  the  shoulder,  and  dare  him  to  the  mid- 
dle. Then  Sir  Launcek*  went  into  the  hall,  and  there 
came  afore  him  threescore  ladies  and  damsels,  and  all 
kneeled  onto  him,  and  thanked  God  and  him  of  their 


"For,  sir,"  said  they,  "the  most  part  of  us  have  been 
here  this  seven  year  their  prisoners,  and  we  have  worked 
all  manner  of  sflk  works  for  oar  meat,  and  we  are  all 
great  gentlewomen  born,  and  blessed  be  the  time,  knight, 
that  ever  thon  wert  born;  for  thou  hast  done  the  most 
worship  that  ever  did  knight  in  the  world,  that  win  we 
bear  record,  and  we  aU  pray  yon  to  ten  us  your  name, 
that  we  may  tefl  oar  friends  who  delivered  us  oat  of 
i  ni  ~  n. 

"Fair  damsels,"  he  said,  "my  name  is  Sir  Launcek*  da 
Lake." 

"Ah,  sir,"  said  they  aU,  "wett  mayest  thou  be  he,  for 
else  save  yourself,  as  we  deemed,  there  might  never  knight 
have  the  better  of  these  two  giants,  for  many  fair  iij^»y« 
have  assayed  it,  and  here  have  ended,  and  many  times  have 
we  wished  after  you,  and  these  two  giants  dread  never 
knight  but  you," 

"Now  may  ye  say,"  said  Sir  Launcek*,  "unto  your 
friends,  how  and  who  hath  delivered  you,  and  greet  them 
all  from  me,  and  if  that  I  come  in  any  of  your  marches 
[bo**darus\  show  me  such  cheer  as  ye  have  cause ;  and 
what  treasure  that  there  is  in  this  castle  I  give  it  you  for 
a  reward  tor  your  grievance:  and  the  lord  that  is  the 
owner  of  this  castle  I  would  that  he  received  it  as  is  right." 

"Fair  sir,"  said  they,  "the  name  of  this  castle  is  Tinta- 
gfl,  and  a  duke  owned  it  some  time  that  had  wedded  fair 
Igraine,  and  after  wedded  her  Uther  Pendragon." 

"Wen,"  said  Sir  Laancdot,  "I  understand  to  whom 
this  castle  belongeth." 


68  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

And  so  he  departed  from  them  and  betaught  [com- 
mended}  them  unto  God.  And  then  he  mounted  upon  his 
horse,  and  rode  into  many  strange  and  wild  countries  and 
through  many  waters  and  valleys,  and  evil  was  he  lodged. 
And  at  the  last  by  fortune  him  happened  against  a  night 
to  come  to  a  fair  curtilage  [enclosure],  and  therein  he  found 
an  old  gentlewoman  that  lodged  him  with  a  good  will,  and 
there  he  had  good  cheer  for  him  and  his  horse.  And  when 
time  was,  his  host  brought  him  into  a  fair  garret  over  the 
gate  to  his  bed.  There  Sir  Launcelot  unarmed  him,  and 
set  his  harness  by  him,  and  went  to  bed,  and  anon  he  fell 
on  sleep.  So  soon  after  there  came  one  on  horseback,  and 
knocked  at  the  gate  in  great  haste.  And  when  Sir  Launce- 
lot heard  this  he  arose  up,  and  looked  out  at  the  window, 
and  saw  by  the  moonlight  three  knights  came  riding  after 
one  man,  and  all  three  lashed  on  him  at  once  with  swords, 
and  that  one  knight  turned  on  them  knightly  again  and 
defended  him. 

"Truly,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "yonder  one  knight  shall 
I  help,  for  it  were  shame  for  me  to  see  three  knights  on 
one,  and  i£  he  be  slain  I  am  partner  of  his  death." 

And  therewith  he  took  his  harness  and  went  out  at  a 
window  by  a  sheet  down  to  the  four  knights,  and  then  Sir 
Launcelot  said  on  high  [in  a  loud  voice],  "Turn  you 
knights  unto  me,  and  leave  your  fighting  with  that 
knight." 

And  then  they  all  three  left  Sir  Kay,  and  turned  unto 
Sir  Launcelot,  and  there  began  great  battle,  for  they 
alighted  all  three,  and  struck  many  great  strokes  at  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  assailed  him  on  every  side.  Then  Sir  Kay 
dressed  him  for  to  have  holpen  Sir  Launcelot. 

"  Nay,  sir,"  said  he,  "  I  will  none  of  your  help,  therefore 
as  ye  will  have  my  help  let  me  alone  with  them." 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  69 

Sir  Kay  for  the  pleasure  of  the  knight  suffered  him  to 
lo  his  will,  and  so  stood  aside.  And  then  anon  within  six 
strokes  Sir  Launcelot  had  stricken  them  to  the  earth. 

And  then  they  all  three  cried,  "  Sir  knight,  we  yield 
as  unto  you  as  man  of  might  matchless." 

"  As  to  that,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  I  will  not  take  your 
yielding  unto  me,  but  so  that  ye  yield  you  unto  Sir  Kay 
the  seneschal ;  on  that  covenant  I  will  save  your  lives  and 
else  not" 

"Fair  knight,"  said  they,  "that  were  we  loath  to  do  ;  for 
as  for  Sir  Kay  we  chased  him  hither,  and  had  overcome 
him  had  not  ye  been  ;  therefore  to  yield  us  unto  him  it  were 
no  reason." 

"  Well,  as  to  that,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  advise  you  well, 
for  ye  may  choose  whether  ye  will  die  or  live,  for  and  [if] 
ye  be  yielden  it  shall  be  unto  Sir  Kay." 

"  Fair  knight,"  then  they  said,  "  in  saving  our  lives  we 
will  do  as  thou  commandest  us." 

"  Then  shall  ye,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  on  Whitsunday 
next  coming  go  unto  the  court  of  King  Arthur,  and  there 
shall  ye  yield  you  unto  Queen  Guenever,  and  ptft  you  all 
three  in  her  grace  and  mercy,  and  say  that  Sir  Kay  sent 
you  thither  to  be  her  prisoners." 

"  Sir,"  they  said,  "  it  shall  be  done  by  the  faith  of  our 
bodies,  and  we  be  living." 

And  there  they  swore,  every  knight  upon  his  sword. 
And  so  Sir  Launceiot  suffered  them  so  to  depart.  And 
then  Sir  Launcelot  knocked  at  the  gate  with  the  pommel 
of  his  sword,  and  with  that  came  his  host,  and  in  they 
entered,  Sir  Kay  and  he. 

"Sir,"  said  his  host,  "I  wend  ye  had  been  in  your  bed."" 

"  So  I  was,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  but  I  arose  and  leaped 
out  at  my  window  for  to  help  an  old  fellow  of  mine," 


70  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

And  so  when  they  came  nigh  the  light  Sir  Kay  knew 
well  that  it  was  Sir  Launcelot,  and  therewith  he  kneeled 
down  and  thanked  him  of  all  his  kindness  that  he  hath 
holpen  him  twice  from  the  death. 

"  Sir,"  he  said,  "  I  have  done  nothing  but  that  I  ought 
to  do,  and  ye  are  welcome,  and  here  shall  ye  repose  you 
and  take  your  rest." 

So  when  Sir  Kay  was  unarmed  he  asked  after  meat,  so 
there  was  meat  fetched  him,  and  he  ate  strongly.  And 
when  he  had  supped  they  went  to  their  beds,  and  were 
lodged  together  in  one  bed.  On  the  morn  Sir  Launcelot 
arose  early,  and  left  Sir  Kay  sleeping  :  and  Sir  Launcelot 
took  Sir  Kay's  armor  and  his  shield  and  armed  him  :  and 
so  he  went  to  the  stable  and  took  his  horse,  and  took  his 
leave  of  his  host,  and  so  he  departed.  Then  soon  after 
arose  Sir  Kay  and  missed  Sir  Launcelot:  and  then  he 
espied  that  he  had  his  armor  and  his  horse. 

"  Now,  by  my  faith,  I  know  well  that  he  will  grieve  some 
of  King  Arthur's  court :  for  on  him  knights  will  be  bold, 
and  deem  that  it  is  I,  and  that  will  beguile  them ;  and 
because  of  his  armor  and  shield,  I  am  sure  that  I  shall 
ride  in  peace."  And  then  soon  after  departed  Sir  Kay, 
and  thanked  his  host. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  FOLLOWED  A  BRACKET  INTO  A  CASTLE,  WHERI 

AS     HE     FOUND    A    DEAD    K.NIGHT,    AND    HOW    AFTERWARD     HE     WAS 
REQUIRED  OF  A   DAMSEL   FOR  TO   HEAL   HER   BROTHER. 

NOW  let  us  speak  of  Sir  Launcelot,  that  rode  a  great 
while  in  a  deep  forest,  where  he  saw  a  black  brachet 
[small  hound],  seeking  in  manner  as  it  had  been  in  the 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  71 

fealty  [track]  of  an  hurt  deer,  and  therewith  he  rode  after 
the  brachet ;  and  he  saw  lie  on  the  ground  a  large  fealty 
of  blood,  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  rode  after,  and  ever  the 
brachet  looked  behind  her.  And  so  she  went  through  a 
great  marish  \mars/i\,  and  ever  Sir  Launcelot  followed ; 
and  then  was  he  ware  of  an  old  manor,  and  thither  ran 
the  brachet,  and  so  over  the  bridge.  So  Sir  Launcelot 
rode  over  the  bridge,  that  was  old  and  feeble.  And  when 
he  came  into  the  midst  of  a  great  hall,  there  saw  he  lie 
a  dead  knight,  that  was  a  seemly  man,  and  that  brachet 
licked  his  wounds.  And  therewith  came  out  a  lady  weep- 
ing and  wringing  her  hands,  and  she  said,  "  O  knight,  too 
much  sorrow  hast  thou  brought  me." 

"  Why  say  ye  so  ?  "  said  Sir  Launcelot, "  I  did  never  this 
knight  no  harm,  for  hither  by  track  of  blood  this  brachet 
brought  me ;  and  therefore,  fair  lady,  be  not  displeased 
with  me,  for  I  am  full  sore  aggrieved  of  your  grievance." 

"  Truly,  sir,"  she  said,  "  I  trow  it  be  not  ye  that  have 
slain  my  husband,  for  he  that  did  that  deed  is  sore 
wounded,  and  he  is  never  likely  to  recover,  that  shall  I 
ensure  him." 

"  What  was  your  husband's  name  ? "  said  Sir  Launcelot. 

"Sir,"  said  she,  "his  name  was  called  Sir  Gilbert,  one 
of  the  best  knights  of  the  world,  and  he  that  hath  slain 
him  I  know  not  his  name." 

"  Now  God  send  you  better  comfort,"  said  Sir  Launce- 
lot 

And  so  he  departed  and  went  into  the  forest  again,  and 
there  he  met  with  a  damsel,  the  which  knew  him  well,  and 
she  said  aloud,  "Well  be  ye  found,  my  lord;  and  now  I 
require  thee  on  thy  knighthood  help  my  brother  that  is 
sore  wounded,  and  never  stinteth  bleeding,  for  this  day 
fought  he  with  Sir  Gilbert  and  slew  him  in  plain  battle. 


72  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

and  there  was  my  brother  sore  wounded,  and  there  is  a 
lady  a  sorceress  that  dwelleth  in  a  castle  here  beside,  and 
this  day  she  told  me  my  brother's  wounds  should  never 
be  whole  till  I  could  find  a  knight  that  would  go  into  the 
Chapel  Perilous,  and  there  he  should  find  a  sword  and  a 
bloody  cloth  that  the  wounded  knight  was  lapped  in,  and 
a  piece  of  that  cloth  and  sword  should  heal  my  brother's 
wounds,  so  that  his  wounds  were  searched  [touched]  with 
the  sword  and  the  cloth." 

"  This  is  a  marvellous  thing,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  but 
what  is  your  brother's  name  ? " 

"Sir,"  said  she,  "his  name  is  Sir  Meliot  de  Logres." 

"  That  me  repenteth,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  for  he  is  a 
fellow  of  the  Table  Round,  and  to  his  help  I  will  do  my 
power." 

"  Then,  sir,"  said  she,  "  follow  even  this  high  way,  and 
it  will  bring  you  unto  the  Chapel  Perilous,  and  here  I 
shall  abide  till  God  send  you  here  again,  and  but  you 
speed  I  know  no  knight  living  that  may  achieve  that 
adventure." 


CHAPTER  X. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  CAME   INTO  THE  CHAPEL  PERILOUS,  AND   GAT 

THERE  OF  A  DEAD  CORPSE  A   PIECE  OF  THE  CLOTH  AND  A   SWORD. 

RIGHT  so  Sir  Launcelot  departed,  and  when  he  came 
unto  the  Chapel  Perilous  he  alighted  down,  and  tied 
his  horse  to  a  little  gate.  And  as  soon  as  he  was  within 
the  churchyard  he  saw  on  the  front  of  the  chapel  many 
fair  rich  shields  turned  up  so  down  [upside  down},  and 
many  of  the  shields  Sir  Launcelot  had  seen  knights  bear 
beforehand.  With  that  he  saw  by  him  stand  there  thirty 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  73 

great  knights,  more  by  a  yard  than  any  man  that  ever 
he  had  seen,  and  all  those  grinned  and  gnashed  at  Sir 
Launcelot.  And  when  he  saw  their  countenance  he 
dread  him  sore,  and  so  put  his  shield  afore  him,  and 
took  his  sword  in  his  hand  ready  unto  battle ;  and  they 
were  all  armed  in  black  harness,  ready  with  their  shields 
and  their  swords  drawn.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  would 
have  gone  throughout  them,  they  scattered  on  every  side 
of  him,  and  gave  him  the  way,  and  therewith  he  waxed  all 
bold  and  entered  into  the  chapel,  and  then  he  saw  no 
light  but  a  dim  lamp  burning,  and  then  was  he  ware  of 
a  corpse  covered  with  a  cloth  of  silk.  Then  Sir  Launce- 
lot stooped  down  and  cut  a  piece  away  of  that  cloth,  and 
then  it  fared  under  him  as  the  earth  had  quaked  a  little ; 
therewithal  he  feared.  And  then  he  saw  a  fair  sword  lie 
by  the  dead  knight,  and  that  he  gat  in  his  hand  and  hied 
him  out  of  the  chapeL  Anon  as  ever  he  was  in  the 
chapel-yard  all  the  knights  spake  to  him  with  a  grimly 
voice,  and  said,  "  Knight,  Sir  Launcelot,  lay  that  sword 
from  thee,  or  else  thou  shalt  die." 

"  Whether  I  live  or  die,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  will  no 
great  word  get  it  again,  therefore  fight  for  it  and  ye  list" 

Then  right  so  he  passed  throughout  them,  and  beyond 
the  chapel-yard  there  met  him  a  fair  damsel,  and  said, 
"  Sir  Launcelot,  leave  that  sword  behind  thee,  or  thou  wilt 
die  for  it." 

"  I  leave  it  not,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  for  no  entreaties." 

"  No,"  said  she,  "  and  thou  didst  leave  that  sword,  Queen 
Guenever  should  ye  never  see." 

"  Then  were  I  a  fool  and  I  would  leave  this  sword/'  said 
Launcelot. 

"  Now  gentle  knight,"  said  the  damsel,  "  I  require  thee 
to  kiss  me  but  once." 


74  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"Nay,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "that  God  me  forbid." 

"  Well,  sir,"  said  she,  "  and  thou  hadst  kissed  me  thy 
life  days  had  been  done,  but  now  alas,"  she  said,  "  I  have 
lost  all  my  labor,  for  I  ordained  this  chapel  for  thy  sake. 
And,  Sir  Launcelot,  now  I  tell  thee,  I  have  loved  thee 
this  seven  year.  But  since  I  may  not  have  [thee]  alive, 
I  had  kept  no  more  joy  in  this  world  but  to  have  [thee] 
dead.  Then  would  I  have  balmed  [thee]  and  preserved 
[thee],  and  so  have  kept  [thee]  my  life  days,  and  daily  I 
should  have  kissed  thee." 

"  Ye  say  well,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  God  preserve  me 
from  your  subtle  crafts." 

And  therewithal  he  took  his  horse  and  so  departed 
from  her.  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  departed  she 
took  such  sorrow  that  she  died  within  a  fourteen  night 
[fortnighf\,  and  her  name  was  Hellawes  the  sorceress,  lady 
of  the  castle  Nigramous.  Anon  Sir  Launcelot  met  with 
the  damsel,  Sir  Meliot's  sister.  And  when  she  saw  him 
she  clapped  her  hands  and  wept  for  joy,  and  then  they 
rode  unto  a  castle  thereby,  where  Sir  Meliot  lay.  And 
anon  as  Sir  Launcelot  saw  him  he  knew  him,  but  he  was 
pale  as  the  earth  for  bleeding.  When  Sir  Meliot  saw  Sir 
Launcelot,  he  kneeled  upon  his  knees  and  cried  on  high : 
"  O  lord  Sir  Launcelot  help  me ! "  Anon  Sir  Launcelot 
leaped  unto  him,  and  touched  his  wounds  with  Sir  Gilbert's 
sword,  and  then  he  wiped  his  wounds  with  a  part  of  the 
bloody  cloth  that  Sir  Gilbert  was  wrapped  in,  and  ancn  a 
wholer  man  in  his  life  was  he  never.  And  then  there  was 
great  joy  between  them,  and  they  made  Sir  Launcelot  all 
the  cheer  that  they  might,  and  so  on  the  morn  Sir  Launce- 
lot took  his  leave,  and  bade  Sir  Meliot  hie  him  to  the  court 
of  my  lord  Arthur,  "  for  it  draweth  nigh  to  the  feast  of 
Pentecost,  and  there,  by  the  grace  of  God,  ye  shall  find 
me."  And  therewith  they  departed. 


Of  Sir  Laxncelot  du  Lake.  75 

CHAPTER  XL 

low  SIR  LATCTCXLOT  AT  THE  RCQCZST  or  A  LADY  uanran>  A  FALCOX, 


AND  so  Sir  Lanncelot  rode  through  many  strange 
countries,  over  marshes  and  valleys,  till  by  fortune 
he  came  to  a  fair  castle,  and  as  he  passed  beyond  the 
castle  him  thought »  he  heard  two  bells  ring.  And  then 
was  he  ware  of  a  falcon  came  flying  over  his  head  toward 
an  high  elm,  and  long  lines  about  her  feet,  and  as  she  flew 
unto  the  elm  to  take  her  perch,  the  lines  overcast  about  a 
bough.  And  when  she  would  have  taken  her  flight  she 
hung  by  the  legs  fast,  and  Sir  Lanncelot  saw  how  she  hung, 
and  beheld  the  fair  falcon,  and  he  was  sorry  for  her.  The 
meanwhile  came  a  lady  out  of  the  castle,  and  cried  on  high, 
"  O  Lanncelot,  Lanncelot,  as  thou  art  flower  of  all  knights 
help  me  to  get  my  hawk,  for  and  my  hawk  be  lost  my  lord 
will  destroy  me;  for  I  kept  the  hawk  and  she  slipped  from 
me,  and  if  my  lord  my  husband  wit  [trurw]  it,  he  is  so  hasty 
that  he  will  slay  me." 

"  What  is  your  lord's  name  ?  "  said  Sir  LaunceloL 

M  Sir,"  she  said,  "  his  name  is  Sir  Fhelot,  a  knight  thai 
longeth  unto  \belomgeth  *nto\  the  king  of  Northgalis." 

"Well,  fair  lady,  since  that  ye  know  my  name,  and 
require  me  of  knighthood  to  help  you,  I  will  do  what  I 
may  to  get  your  hawk,  and  yet  truly  I  am  an  ill  climber, 
and  the  tree  is  passing  high,  and  few  boughs  to  help  me 
withal" 

And  therewith  Sir  Launcelot  alighted,  and  tied  his  horse 
to  the  same  tree,  and  prayed  the  lady  to  unarm  him.  And 

>  -  Him  thoogbJ."  compare  «^b^U. 


76  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

so  when  he  was  unarmed,  he  put  off  all  his  clothes  unto 
his  shirt  and  breeches,  and  with  might  and  force  climbed 
up  to  the  falcon  and  tied  the  lines  to  a  great  rotten  branch 
and  threw  the  hawk  down  with  the  branch.  Anon  the 
lady  gat  the  hawk  with  her  hand.  And  therewithal  came 
Sir  Phelot  out  of  the  groves  suddenly,  that  was  her  hus- 
band, all  armed  with  his  naked  sword  in  his  hand,  and 
said  :  "  O  knight  Sir  Launcelot,  now  have  I  found  thee  as 
I  would  have  thee,"  and  stood  at  the  bole  \trunk\  of  the 
tree  to  slay  him. 

"  Ah,  lady ! "  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  why  have  ye  betrayed 
me  ? " 

"  She  hath  done  as  I  commanded  her,"  said  Sir  Phelot ; 
"  and  therefore  there  is  none  other  way  but  thine  hour  is 
come  that  thou  must  die." 

"That  were  shame,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "that  an  armed 
knight  should  slay  a  naked  man  by  treason." 

"Thou  gettest  none  other  grace,"  said  Sir  Phelot. 

"Truly,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "that  shall  be  thy  shame; 
but  sith  [since]  thou  wilt  do  none  otherwise,  take  mine 
harness  with  thee,  and  hang  my  sword  upon  a  bough  that 
I  may  get  it,  and  then  do  thy  best  to  slay  me  and  thou 
canst." 

"  Nay,  nay,"  said  Sir  Phelot,  "  for  I  know  thee  better 
than  thou  weenest,  therefore  thou  gettest  no  weapon  and 
I  may  keep  thee  therefrom." 

"  Alas,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "that  ever  any  knight  should 
die  weaponless." 

And  therewithal  he  looked  above  and  under  him,  and 
over  his  head  he  saw  a  roundspike  on  a  big  bough  leafbss, 
and  brake  it  off  by  the  body  of  the  tree,  and  then  he  came 
lower,  and  awaited  how  his  own  horse  stood,  and  suddenly 
he  leaped  on  the  farther  side  of  the  horse  from  the  knight 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  77 

And  then  Sir  Phelot  lashed  at  him  eagerly,  weening  to 
have  slain  him,  but  Sir  Launcelot  put  away  the  stroke  with 
the  roundspike,  and  therewith  he  smote  him  on  the  side 
of  the  head  that  he  fell  in  a  swound  \swoon\  to  the  ground. 
Then  Sir  Launcelot  took  his  sword  out  of  his  hand,  and 
struck  his  neck  from  the  body.  Then  cried  the  lady, 
"  Alas,  why  hast  thou  slain  my  husband  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  causer,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  for  with  false- 
hood ye  would  have  slain  me  with  treason,  and  now  it  is 
fallen  on  you  both." 

And  then  she  swounded  [swooned]  as  though  she  would 
die.  And  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  got  all  his  armor  as 
well  as  he  could,  and  put  it  on  him  for  dread  of  more 
resort,  for  he  dread  that  the  knight's  castle  was  nigh. 
And  as  soon  as  he  might,  he  took  his  horse  and  departed 
thence,  and  thanked  our  Lord  God  that  he  had  escaped 
that  adventure. 


CHAPTER  XIL 

How  SIR  LATTNCELOT  CAME  UNTO  KING  ARTHUR'S  Courr,  AND  HOW 

THERE  WERE   RECOUNTED  OF  HIS   NOBLE  FEATS  AND  ACTS. 

SIR  LAUNCELOT  came  home  two  days  afore  the 
feast  of  Pentecost  And  King  Arthur  and  all  the 
court  were  full  glad  of  his  coming.  And  when  Sir  Gawaine, 
Sir  Ewaine,  Sir  Sagramour,  and  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  saw 
Sir  Launcelot  in  Sir  Kay's  armor,  then  they  wist  well 
it  was  he  that  smote  them  down  all  with  one  spear.  Then 
there  was  laughing  and  smiling  among  them.  And  ever 
now  and  then  came  all  the  knights  home  that  Sir  Turquine 
had  taken  prisoners,  and  they  all  honored  and  worshipped 
Sir  Launcelot.  When  Sir  Gaheiis  heard  them  speak,  he 


78  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

said:  "I  saw  all  the  battle,  from  the  beginning  to  the 
ending." 

And  there  he  told  King  Arthur  all  how  it  was,  and  how 
Sir  Turquine  was  the  strongest  knight  that  ever  he  saw 
except  Sir  Launcelot ;  there  were  many  knights  bare  him 
record,  nigh  threescore.  Then  Sir  Kay  told  the  king  how 
Sir  Launcelot  had  rescued  him  when  he  was  in  danger  to 
have  been  slain,  and  how  "  he  made  the  knights  to  yield 
them  to  me,  and  not  to  him."  And  there  they  were,  all 
three,  and  bare  record.  "And,"  said  Sir  Kay,  "because 
Sir  Launcelot  took  my  harness,  and  left  me  his,  I  rode  in 
good  peace,  and  no  man  would  have  to  do  with  me."  Then 
anon  therewithal  came  the  three  knights  that  fought  with 
Sir  Launcelot  at  the  long  bridge,  and  there  they  yielded 
them  unto  Sir  Kay,  and  Sir  Kay  forsook  them,  and  said 
he  fought  never  with  them  ;  "  but  I  shall  ease  your  hearts," 
said  Sir  Kay,  "yonder  is  Sir  Launcelot  that  overcame  you." 
When  they  understood  that,  they  were  glad.  And  then 
Sir  Meliot  de  Logres  came  home,  and  told  King  Arthur 
how  Sir  Launcelot  had  saved  him  from  the  death.  And 
all  his  deeds  were  known,  how  four  queens,  sorceresses, 
had  him  in  prison,  and  how  he  was  delivered  by  King 
Bagdemagus'  daughter.  Also  there  were  told  all  the  great 
deeds  of  arms  that  Sir  Launcelot  did  betwixt  the.  two 
kin^s,  that  is  to  say,  the  king  of  Northgalis  and  King 
Bagdemagus.  All  the  truth  Sir  Gahalantine  did  tell,  and 
Sir  Mador  de  la  Porte,  and  Sir  Mordred,  for  they  were  at 
that  same  tournament.  Then  came  in  the  lady  that  knew 
Sir  Launcelot  when  that  he  wounded  Sir  Belleus  at  the 
pavilion.  And  there  at  the  request  of  Sir  Launcelot,  Sir 
Belleus  was  made  knight  of  the  Round  Table. 

And  so  at  that  time  Sir  Launcelot  had  the  greatest 
name  of  any  knight  of  the  world,  and  most  he  was  hon 
ored  of  high  and  low. 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  79 

CHAPTER  XIIL 

How  Snt  LAUNCELOT  BECAME  MAD,  AND  LEAPED  FROM  A  Wnroow. 

F  /^\N  a  day,  that  might  be  a  matter  of  two  years  before 
L  v^  that  feast  of  Pentecost  whereof  it  will  be  told  in  the 
Book  of  Sir  Tristram,  it  happened  that  Queen  Guenever 
was  angered  with  Sir  Launcelot,  yet  truly  for  no  fault  of 
his,  but  only  because  a  certain  enchantress  had  wrought 
that  Sir  Launcelot  seemed  to  have  shamed  his  knight- 
hood 

Then  the  queen  was  nigh  out  of  her  wit,  and  then  she 
writhed  and  weltered  as  a  mad  woman ;  and  at  the  last 
the  queen  met  with  Sir  Launcelot,  and  thus  she  said,] 
"  False  traitor  knight  that  thou  art,  look  thou  never  abide 
in  my  court,  and  not  so  hardy,  thou  false  traitor  knight 
that  thou  art,  that  ever  thou  come  in  my  sight." 

"Alas!""said^Sir  Launcelot:  and  therewith  he  took 
such  an  heartly  sorrow  at  her  words  that  he  fell  down  to 
the  floor  in  a  swoon.  And  therewithal  Queen  Guenever 
departed  And  when  Sir  Launcelot  awoke  of  his  swoon 
he  leaped  out  at  a  bay  window  into  a  garden,  and  there 
with  thorns  he  was  all  to-scratched  in  his  visage  and  his 
body,  and  so  he  ran  forth  he  wist  not  whither,  and  was 
wild  wood  \insane\  as  ever  was  man. 

"Wit  ye  well,"  said  dame  Elaine « to  Sir  Bors,  "I  would 
lose  my  life  for  him  rather  than  he  should  be  hurt ;  but 
alas,  I  cast  me  never  for  to  see  him ;  and  the  chief  causer 
of  this  is  dame  Guenever." 

"  Madam,"  said  dame  Brisen,  the  which  had  made  the 

1  This  is  not  Elaine,  the  maid  of  Astolat, — whom  w«  shall  meet  hereafter 

—but  anotbet  Elaine. 


8o  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

enchantment  before  betwixt  Sir  Launcelot  and  her,  "I 
pray  you  heartily  let  Sir  Bors  depart  and  hie  him  with  all 
his  might,  as  fast  as  he  may,  to  seek  Sir  Launcelot.  Foi 
T  warn  you  he  is  clean  out  of  his  mind,  and  yet  he  shall 
be  well  holpen,  and  but  by  miracle." 

Then  wept  dame  Elaine,  and  so  did  Sir  Bors  de  Ganis, 
and  so  they  departed  ;  and  Sir  Bors  rode  straight  unto 
Queen  Guenever,  and  when  she  saw  Sir  Bors  she  wept  as 
she  were  wood. 

"  Fie  on  your  weeping,"  said  Sir  Bors,  "  for  ye  weep 
never  but  when  there  is  no  boot.  Alas  ! "  said  Sir  Bors, 
"that  ever  Sir  Launcelot's  kin  saw  you.  For  now  have 
ye  lost  the  best  knight  of  our  blood,  and  he  that  was 
all  our  leader  and  our  succor.  And  I  dare  say  and  make 
it  good,  that  all  kings,  Christian  nor  heathen,  may  not 
find  such  a  knight,  for  to  speak  of  his  nobleness  and 
courtesy  with  his  beauty  and  his  gentleness.  Alas,"  said 
Sir  Bors,  "  what  shall  we  do  that  be  of  his  blood  ? " 

"Alas  ! "  said  Sir  Ector  de  Maris. 

"Alas!"  said  Sir  Lionel. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

WHAT  SORROW  QUEEN  GUENEVER  MADE  FOR  SIR  LAUNCELOT,  AND  HOW 
HE  WAS  SOUGHT  BY  KNIGHTS  OF  HIS  KlN. 

AND  when  the  queen  heard  them  say  so,  she  fell  to 
the  ground  in  a  deadly  sound  [swoon} ;  and  then  Sir 
Bors  took  her,  and  [roused]  her,  and  when  she  was  come 
to  herself  again  she  kneeled  afore  the  three  knights,  and 
held  up  both  her  hands,  and  besought  them  to  seek  him, 
and  not  to  spare  for  no  goods  but  that  he  be  found,  "  for. I 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  81 

wot  well  he  is  out  of  his  mind"  And  Sir  Bors,  Sir  Ector, 
Sir  Lionel,  departed  from  the  queen,  for  they  might  not 
abide  no  longer  for  sorrow:  and  then  the  queen  sent 
them  treasure  enough  for  their  expenses,  and  so  they 
took  their  horses  and  their  armor,  and  departed.  And 
then  they  rode  from  country  to  country,  in  forests  and 
in  wildernesses  and  in  wastes,  and  ever  they  laid  watch  as 
well  both  at  forests  and  at  all  manner  of  men  as  they 
rode,  to  hearken  and  to  inquire  after  him,  as  he  that  was 
a  naked  man  in  his  shirt,  with  a  sword  in  his  hand.  And 
thus  they  rode  well  nigh  a  quarter  of  a  year,  endlong  and 
overthwart,1  in  many  places,  forests  and  wildernesses,  and 
oftentimes  were  evil  lodged  for  his  sake,  and  yet  for  all 
their  labor  and  seeking  could  they  never  hear  word  of 
him.  And  wit  ye  well  these  three  knights  were  passing 
sorry. 

Then  Sir  Gawaine,  Sir  Uwaine,  Sir  Sagramor  le  Desir- 
ous, Sir  Agloval,  and  Sir  Percival  de  Galis,  took  upon 
them  by  the  great  desire  of  King  Arthur,  and  in  especial 
by  the  queen,  to  seek  throughout  all  England,  Wales,  and 
Scotland,  to  find  Sir  LaunceloL  And  with  them  rode 
eighteen  knights  more  to  bear  them  fellowship.  And  wit 
ye  well  they  lacked  no  manner  of  spending :  and  so  were 
they  three  and  twenty  knights. 

And  thus  as  these  noble  knights  rode  together,  they 
by  one  assent  departed,  and  then  they  rode  by  two,  by 
three,  and  by  four,  and  by  five ;  and  ever  they  assigned 
where  they  should  meet 

o*  the  had. 


82  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

H<w  Sra  LAUNCRLOT  IN  HIS  MADNESS  TOOK  A  SWORD,  AND  FOUOITI 
A  KNIGHT,  AND  AFTER  LEAPED  IN  A  BED. 


AND  now  leave  we  a  little  of  Sir  Ector  and  Sir  Perci- 
val,  and  speak  we  of  Sir  Launcelot,  that  suffered 
and  endured  many  sharp  showers,  which  ever  ran  wild 
wood,  from  place  to  place,  and  lived  by  fruit  and  such  as 
he  might  get,  and  drank  water,  two  years;  and  other 
clothing  had  he  but  little,  save  his  shirt  and  his  breeches. 
And  thus,  as  Sir  Launcelot  wandered  here  and  there,  he 
came  into  a  fair  meadow  where  he  found  a  pavilion,  and 
there  upon  a  tree  hung  a  white  shield,  and  two  swords 
hung  thereby,  and  two  spears  there  leaned  against  a  tree ; 
and  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  the  swords,  anon  he  leaped 
to  the  one  sword,  and  took  it  in  his  hand,  and  drew  it  out, 
and  then  he  lashed  at  the  shield  that  all  the  meadow  rang 
of  the  dints  that  he  gave  with  such  a  noise  as  ten  knights 
had  fought  together.  Then  there  came  forth  a  dwarf,  and 
leaped  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  and  would  have  had  the  sword 
out  of  his  hand  ;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  took  him  by  both 
the  shoulders  and  threw  him  to  the  ground  upon  his  neck, 
that  he  had  almost  broken  his  neck  ;  and  therewithal  the 
dwarf  cried  for  help.  Then  came  forth  a  likely  knight, 
and  well  apparelled  in  scarlet,  furred  with  miniver.  And 
anon  as  he  saw  Sir  Launcelot,  he  deemed  that  he  should 
be  out  of  his  wit :  and  then  he  said  with  fair  speech, 
"  Good  man,  lay  down  that  sword,  for,  as  me  seemeth, 
thou  hast  more  need  of  sleep,  and  of  warm  clothes,  than 
to  wield  that  sword." 

"As  for  that,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "come  not  too  nigh  ; 
for,  and  thou  do,  wit  thou  well  I  will  slay  thee." 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake  83 

And  when  the  knight  of  the  pavilion  saw  that,  he  started 
backward  within  the  pavilion.  And  then  the  dwarf  armed 
him  lightly,  and  so  the  knight  thought  by  force  and  might 
to  take  the  sword  from  Sir  Launcelot,  and  so  he  came 
stepping  out,  and  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  Him  come  so  all 
armed  with  his  sword  in  his  hand,  then  Sir  Launcelot  flew 
to  him  with  such  a  might  and  hit  him  upon  the  helm  such 
a  buffet  that  the  stroke  troubled  his  brains,  and  therewith 
the  sword  brake  in  three.  And  the  knight  fell  to  the 
earth  as  he  had  been  dead,  the  blood  bursting  out  of  his 
mouth,  nose,  and  ears.  And  then  Sir  Launcelot  ran  into 
the  pavilion,  and  rushed  even  into  the  warm  bed. 

Then  the  knight  awaked  out  of  his  swoon,  and  looked 
up  weakly  with  his  eyes,  and  then  he  asked  where  was 
that  mad  man  that  had  given  him  such  a  buffet?  "for 
such  a  buffet  had  I  never  of  man's  hand." 

"  Sir,"  said  the  dwarf,  "  it  is  not  worship  to  hurt  him, 
for  he  is  a  man  out  of  his  wit,  and  doubt  ye  not  he  hath 
been  a  man  of  great  worship,  and  for  some  heartly  sorrow 
that  he  hath  taken  he  is  fallen  mad ;  and  me  seemeth  he 
resembleth  much  unto  Sir  Launcelot ;  for  him  I  saw  at 
the  great  tournament  beside  Lonazep." 

"  Jesu  defend,"  said  that  knight,  "that  ever  that  noble 
knight  Sir  Launcelot  should  be  in  such  a  plight  But 
whatsoever  he  be,  harm  will  I  none  do  him." 

And  this  knight's  name  was  Sir  Bliant.  Then  he  said 
unto  the  dwarf,  "  Go  thou  in  all  haste  on  horseback  unto 
my  brother  Sir  Seliaunt,  that  is  at  the  Castle  Blanche, 
and  tell  him  of  mine  adventure,  and  bid  him  bring  with 
him  an  horse-litter  and  then  will  we  bear  this  knigHt  unto 
my  castle. 


84  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  CARRIED  IN  A  HORSE-LITTER,  AND  HOW  Sn 
LAUNCELOT  RESCUED  SIR  BLIANT  HIS  HOST. 

SO  the  dwarf  rode  fast,  and  came  again,  and  brought 
Sir  Seliaunt  with  him,  and  six  men  with  an  horse- 
litter ;  and  so  they  took  up  the  feather-bed  with  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  so  carried  all  with  them  to  the  Castle 
Blanche,  and  he  never  wakened  until  he  was  within  the 
castle ;  and  then  they  bound  his  hands  and  his  feet,  and 
gave  him  good  meats  and  good  drinks,  and  brought  him 
again  to  his  strength  and  his  fairness ;  but  in  his  wit  they 
could  not  bring  him  again,  nor  to  know  himself.  Thus 
Sir  Launcelot  was  there  more  than  a  year  and  a  half. 

Then  upon  a  day  this  lord  of  that  castle,  Sir  Bliant, 
took  his  arms  on  horseback  with  a  spear  to  seek  ad- 
ventures, and  as  he  rode  in  a  forest  there  met  him  two 
knights  adventurous  ;  the  one  was  Sir  Breuse  sans  Pitie, 
and  his  brother  Sir  Bertlot.  And  these  two  ran  both 
at  once  upon  Sir  Bliant,  and  brake  both  their  spears 
upon  his  body,  and  then  they  drew  out  their  swords  and 
made  a  great  battle  and  fought  long  together ;  but  at  the 
last  Sir  Bliant  was  sore  wounded,  and  felt  himself  faint, 
and  then  he  fled  on  horseback  toward  his  castle.  And 
as  they  came  hurling  under  the  castle,  where  Sir  Lance- 
lot lay  in  a  window  and  saw  two  knights  laid  upon  Sir 
Bliant  with  their  swords,  and  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw 
that,  yet  as  wood  [crazy]  as  he  was,  he  was  sorry  for  his 
lord  Sir  Bliant ;  and  then  Sir  Launcelot  brake  his  chains 
from  his  legs. 

And  so  Sir  Launcelot  ran  out  at  a  postern,  and  there 


Of  Sir  Liuuuelot  du  Lake.  85 

he  met  with  the  two  knights  that  chased  Sir  Bliant,  and 
there  he  pulled  down  Bertlot  with  his  bare  hands  from  his 
horse,  and  therewithal  he  writhed  his  sword  out  of  his 
hands,  and  so  he  leaped  onto  Sir  Breuse,  and  gave  him 
such  a  buffet  upon  the  head  that  he  tumbled  backward 
over  his  horse's  crupper.  And  when  Sir  Bertlot  saw  his 
brother  have  such  a  fall,  he  gat  a  spear  in  his  hand,  and 
would  have  ran  Sir  Lanncelot  through.  That  saw  Sir 
Bliant,  and  struck  off  the  hand  of  Sir  Bertlot;  and  then 
Sir  Breuse  and  Sir  Bertlot  gat  their  horses  and  fled  away. 
When  Sir  Seliaunt  came,  and  saw  what  Sir  Launcelot  had 
done  for  his  brother,  then  he  thanked  God,  and  so  did  his 
brother,  that  ever  they  did  him  any  good.  But  when  Sir 
Bliant  saw  that  Sir  Lanncelot  was  hurt  with  the  break- 
ing of  his  chains,  then  he  was  sorry  that  he  had  bound 
him.  "Bind  him  no  more,"  said  Sir  Seliaunt,  "for  he  is 
happy  and  gracious."  Then  they  made  great  joy  of  Sir 
Launcelot,  and  they  bound  him  no  more ;  and  so  he  abode 
there  half  a  year  and  more.  And  in  a  morning  early  Sir 
Lanncelot  was  ware  where  came  a  great  boar,  with  many 
hounds  nigh  him;  but  the  boar  was  so  big  that  there 
might  no  hounds  tear  him,  and  the  hunters  came  after 
blowing  their  horns  both  on  horseback  and  on  foot ;  and 
at  the  last  Sir  Lanncelot  was  ware  where  one  of  them 
alighted  and  tied  his  horse  to  a  tree,  and  leaned  his  spear 
against  the  tree. 

So  came  Sir  Lanncelot  and  found  the  horse  bound  to  a 
tree,  and  a  spear  leaning  against  a  tree,  and  a  sword  tied 
unto  the  saddle  bow.  And  then  Sir  Lanncelot  leaped  in- 
to the  saddle,  and  gat  that  spear  in  his  hand,  and  then  he 
nxle  after  the  boar;  and  then  Sir  Lanncelot  was  ware  where 
the  boar  set  his  back  to  a  tree,  fast  by  an  hermitage. 
Then  Sir  Lanncelot  ran  at  the  boar  with  his  spear.  And 


86  The  Boy's  King  Arthur 

therewith  the  boar  turned  him  nimbly,  and  rove  [gashed] 
out  the  lungs  and  the  heart  of  the  horse,  so  that  Sii 
Launcelot  fell  to  the  earth,  and  or  ever  Sir  Launcelot 
might  get  from  the  horse,  the  boar  rove  him  on  the  brawn 
of  the  thigh,  up  to  the  hough  bone.  And  then  Sir 
Launcelot  was  wroth,  and  up  he  gat  upon  his  feet,  and 
drew  his  sword,  and  he  smote  off  the  boar's  head  at 
one  stroke.  And  therewithal  came  out  the  hermit,  and 
saw  him  have  such  a  wound;  then  the  hermit  came  to 
Sir  Launcelot  and  bemoaned  him,  and  would  have  had 
him  home  unto  his  hermitage.  But  when  Sir  Launcelot 
heard  him  speak,  he  was  so  wroth  with  his  wound  that  he 
ran  upon  the  hermit  to  have  slain  him,  and  the  hermit 
ran  away,  and  when  Sir  Launcelot  might  not  overget  him 
he  threw  his  sword  after  him,  for  Sir  Launcelot  might  go 
no  farther  for  bleeding.  Then  the  hermit  turned  again, 
and  asked  Sir  Launcelot  how  he  was  hurt. 

"Fellow,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "this  boar  hath  bitten 
me  sore." 

"  Then  come  with  me,"  said  the  hermit,  "  and  I  shall 
heal  you." 

"  Go  thy  way,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  and  deal  not  with 
me." 

Then  the  hermit  ran  his  way,  and  there  he  met  with  a 
good  knight  with  many  men. 

"  Sir,"  said  the  hermit,  "  here  is  fast  by  my  place  the 
goodliest  man  that  ever  I  saw,  and  he  is  sore  wounded  with 
a  boar,  and  yet  he  hath  slain  the  boar.  But  well  I  wot 
and  he  be  not  holpen,  that  goodly  man  shall  die  of  that 
wound,  and  that  were  great  pity." 

Then  that  knight,  at  the  desire  of  the  hermit,  gat  a 
cart,  and  in  that  cart  that  knight  put  the  boar  and  Sir 
Launcelot,  for  Sir  Launcelot  was  so  feeble  that  they 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  87 

might  right  easily  deal  with  him.  And  so  Sir  Launcelot 
was  brought  unto  the  hermitage,  and  there  the  hermit 
healed  him  of  his  wound.  But  the  hermit  might  not  find 
Sir  Launcelot's  sustenance,  and  so  he  impaired  and  waxed 
feeble,  both  of  his  body  and  of  his  wit,  for  the  default  ot 
his  sustenance,  and  waxed  more  wood  than  he  was  afore- 
hand  And  then,  upon  a  day,  Sir  Launcelot  ran  his  way 
into  the  forest ;  and  by  adventure  came  into  the  city  of 
Corbin,  where  dame  Elaine  was. 

And  so  when  he  was  entered  into  the  town,  he  ran 
through  the  town  to  the  castle ;  and  then  all  the  young 
men  of  the  city  ran  after  Sir  Launcelot,  and  there  they 
threw  turfs  at  him,  and  gave  him  many  sad  strokes ;  and 
as  Sir  Launcelot  might  reach  any  of  them,  he  threw  them 
so  that  they  would  never  more  come  in  his  hands,  for  of 
some  he  brake  their  legs,  and  some  their  arms,  and  so 
fled  into  the  castle.  And  then  came  out  knights  and 
squires  for  to  rescue  Sir  Launcelot,  and  when  they  beheld 
him  and  looked  upon  his  person,  they  thought  they  saw 
never  so  goodly  a  man ;  and  when  they  saw  so  many 
wounds  upon  him,  they  all  deemed  that  he  had  been  a 
man  of  worship.  And  then  they  ordained  clothes  unto 
his  body,  and  straw  underneath  him,  and  a  little  house, 
and  then  every  day  they  would  throw  him  meat,  and  set 
him  drink,  but  there  were  few  or  none  that  would  bring 
meat  to  his  hands. 


88  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WAS  KNOWN  BY  DAME  ELAINE,  AND  HOW  HH 
WAS  BORNE  INTO  A  CHAMBER,  AND  AFTER  HEALED  BY  THE  HOLY 
GRAIL. 

SO  it  befell  that  King  Pelles  had  a  nephew  whose  name 
was  Castor,  and  he  desired  of  the  king  his  uncle  for 
to  be  made  knight ;  and  so  at  the  request  of  this  Castor, 
the  king  made  him  knight  at  the  feast  of  Candlemas. 
And  when  Castor  was  made  knight,  that  same  day  he 
gave  many  gowns  ;  and  so  Sir  Castor  sent  for  the  fool, 
that  was  Sir  Launcelot,  and  when  [Sir  Launcelot]  saw  his 
time,  he  went  into  the  garden  and  there  laid  him  down  by 
a  well  and  slept.  And  in  the  afternoon  dame  Elaine  and 
her  maidens  went  into  the  garden  for  to  play  them  ;  and 
as  they  roamed  up  and  down,  one  of  dame  Elaine's  maid- 
ens espied  where  lay  a  goodly  man  by  the  well  sleeping, 
and  anon  showed  him  to  dame  Elaine. 

"Peace,"  said  dame  Elaine,  "and  say  no  word." 
And  then  she  brought  dame  Elaine  where  he  lay.  And 
when  that  she  beheld  him,  anon  she  fell  in  remembrance 
of  him,  and  knew  him  verily  for  Sir  Launcelot,  and  there- 
withal she  fell  on  weeping  so  heartily  that  she  sank  even 
to  the  earth.  And  when  she  had  thus  wept  a  great  while, 
then  she  arose  and  called  her  maidens,  and  said  she  was 
sick.  And  so  she  went  out  of  the  garden,  and  she  went 
straight  to  her  father,  and  there  she  took  him  apart  by 
himself,  and  then  she  said,  "  O  father,  now  have  I  need 
of  your  help,  and  but  if  that  ye  help  me,  farewell  my 
good  days  for  ever." 

"What  is  that,  daughter?"  said  King  Pelles. 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  89 

"  Sir,"  she  said,  "  thus  is  it :  in  your  garden  I  went  for 
to  sport,  and  there  by  the  well  I  found  Sir  Launcelot  du 
Lake  sleeping." 

"  I  may  not  believe  that,"  said  King  Pelles, 

"Sir,"  she  said,  "truly  he  is  there,  and  me  seemeth 
he  should  be  distract  out  of  his  wit" 

"Then  hold  you  still,"  said  the  king,  "and  let  me  deal." 

Then  the  king  called  to  him  such  as  he  most  trusted, 
four  persons,  and  dame  Elaine  his  daughter.  And  when 
they  came  to  the  well  and  beheld  Sir  Launcelot,  anon 
dame  Brisen  knew  him. 

"Sir,"  said  dame  Brisen,  "we  must  be  wise  how  we 
deal  with  him,  for  this  knight  is  out  of  his  mind,  and  if 
we  awake  him  rudely,  what  he  wil\  do  we  all  know  not. 
But  ye  shall  abide,  and  I  shall  throw  such  an  enchantment 
upon  him  that  he  shall  not  awake  within  the  space  of  an 
hour." 

And  so  she  did.  Then  within  a  little  while  after  King 
Pelles  commanded  that  all  people  should  avoid  [leave], 
that  none  should  be  in  that  way  there  as  the  king  would 
come.  And  so  when  this  was  done,  these  four  men  and 
these  ladies  laid  hand  on  Sir  Launcelot.  And  so  they 
bare  him  into  a  tower,  and  so  into  the  chamber  where 
as  was  the  [Holy  Grail],  and  by  force  Sir  Launcelot  was 
laid  by  that  holy  vessel ;  and  then  there  came  an  holy 
man  ana  uncovered  the  vessel,  and  so  by  miracle,  and  by 
virtue  of  that  holy  vessel,  Sir  Launcelot  was  all  healed 
and  recovered.  And  when  he  was  awaked,  he  groaned, 
and  sighed  sore,  and  complained  greatly  that  he  was 
passing  sore. 

And  when  Sir  Launcelot  saw  King  Pelles  and  dame 
Elaine,  he  waxed  ashamed,  and  thus  he  said,  /"  O  good 
Lord  Jesu,  how  came  I  here  ?  for  God's  sake,  my  lord,  let 
me  wit  how  I  came  here." ) 


90  The  Boy's  King  Arthur 

"  Sir,"  said  dame  Elaine,  "  into  this  country  ye  came 
like  a  mad  man  all  out  of  your  wit,  and  here  ye  have  been 
kept  as  a  fool,  and  no  creature  here  knew  what  ye  were 
till  that  by  fortune  a  maid  of  mine  brought  me  unto  you 
where  as  ye  lay  sleeping  by  a  well  side,  and  anon  as  I 
verily  beheld  you  I  knew  you ;  and  then  I  told  my  father, 
and  so  ye  were  brought  before  this  holy  vessel,  and  by  the 
virtue  of  it  thus  were  ye  healed." 

"  O  Jesu,  mercy ! "  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  if  this  be  sooth, 
how  many  be  there  that  know  of  my  woodness  ? " 

"  So  God  me  help,"  said  dame  Elaine,  "  no  moe  \more\ 
but  my  father  and  I  and  dame  Brisen." 

"  Now  for  Christ's  love,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "  keep  it 
secret,  and  let  no  man  know  it  in  the  world,  for  I  am 
sore  ashamed  that  I  have  been  thus  miscarried,  for  I 
am  banished  out  of  the  country  of  Logris  for  ever,  that  is 
for  to  say  the  country  of  England." 

And  so  Sir  Launcelot  lay  more  than  a  fortnight,  or  ever 
that  he  might  stir  for  soreness. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

OF  A  GREAT  TOURNAMENT  IN  THE  JOYOUS  ISLE,  AND  HOW  SIR  PERCIVAI 
FOUGHT  WITH  HIM ;  HOW  EACH  OF  THEM  KNEW  OTHER,  AND  OF  THEIR 
GREAT  COURTESY,  AND  HOW  HIS  BROTHER  SIR  ECTOR  CAME  UNTO  HIM, 
AND  OF  THEIR  JOY. 

AND  then  after  this  King  Pelles  with  ten  knights,  and 
dame  Elaine  and  twenty  ladies,  rode  unto  the  castle 
of  Bliant,  that  stood  in  an  island  enclosed  in  iron,  with  a 
fair  water,  deep  and  large.     And  when  they  were  there 
Sir  Launcelot  let  call  it  the  Joyous  Isle,  and  there  was 


Of  Sir  Lancelot  dm,  Late,  91 

|  he  called  none  otherwise  but  Le  Chevalier  Mai  Fait,  fife 
buffkt  that  hath  trespassed.  Then  Sir  Launcelot  let  make 
him  a  shield  aH  of  sable,  and  a  queen  crowned  in  the 
midst  all  of  silver,  and  a  knight,  dean  armed,  kneeling 
before  her ;  and  every  day  once,  for  any  mirths  that  all 
the  ladies  might  make  him,  he  would  once  every  day  look 

i  towards  the  realm  of  Logris  where  Kmg  Arthur  and 
Qoeen  Guenever  were,  and  then  would  he  fall  upcn 
weeping  as  though  his  heart  should  to-brast  \bmrst  to 
pieces\  So  it  fell  that  time  that  Sir  Launcelot  heard 

F   of  a  jousting  fast  by  his  castle,  within  three  leagues. 

t  Then  he  called  unto  him  a  dwarf,  and  he  bade  him  go 
unto  that  jousting,  "and,  or  ever  the  knights  depart,  look 
thou  make  there  a  cry  in  the  hearing  of  all  the  knights, 
that  there  is  one  knight  in  the  Joyous  Isle,  that  is  the 
castle  BBant,  and  say  that  his  name  is  Le  Chevalier  Mai 
Fait,  that  wfll  joust  against  knights  that  wfll  come ;  and 
who  that  putteth  that  knight  to  the  worst  shall  have  a 
fair  maid  and  a  gerfalcon," 

So  when  this  cry  was  made,  unto  Joyous  Isle  drew 
knights  to  the  number  of  five  hundred.  And  wit  ye 
well  there  was  never  seen  in  Arthur's  days  one  knight 
that  did  so  much  deeds  of  arms  as  Sir  Lanncelot  did  three 
days  together.  For  he  had  the  better  of  all  the  five  hun- 
dred knights,  and  there  was  not  one  slam  of  them.  And 
after  that  Sir  Launcelot  made  them  all  a  great  feast. 
And  in  the  meanwhile  came  Sir  Perrival  de  Galis  and 
Sir  Ector  de  Maris  under  rt»afr  casde  tfmt  was  r*Rfd  the 
Joyous  Isle.  And  as  they  beheld  that  gay  castle  they 
would  have  gone  to  that  castle,  but  they  might  not  for 
the  broad  water,  and  bridge  could  they  find  none.  Then 
they  saw  on  the  other  side  a  lady  with  a  sperhawk  in  her 
hand,  and  Sir  Perctval  called  unto  her,  and  asked  that  lady 
who  was  in  that  castle. 


92  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  Fair  knight,"  she  said,  "  here  within  this  castle  is  the 
fairest  lady  in  this  land,  and  her  name  is  Elaine.  Also 
we  have  in  this  castle  the  fairest  knight  and  the  mightiest 
man  that  is,  I  dare  say,  living,  and  he  calleth  himself  Le 
Chevalier  Mai  Fait." 

"  How  came  he  into  these  marches  ? "  said  Sir  Percival. 

"  Truly,"  said  the  damsel,  "  he  came  into  this  country 
like  a  mad  man,  with  dogs  and  boys  chasing  him  through 
the  city  of  Corbin  ;  and  by  the  Holy  Grail  he  was  brought 
into  his  wit  again,  but  he  will  not  do  battle  with  no  knight 
but  by  underne  [nine  in  the  morning}  or  by  noon.  And  if 
ye  list  to  come  into  the  castle,  ye  must  ride  unto  the 
further  side  of  the  castle,  and  there  shall  ye  find  a  vessel 
that  will  bear  you  and  your  horse." 

Then  they  departed  and  came  unto  the  vessel.  And 
then  Sir  Percival  alighted  and  said  unto  Sir  Ector  de 
Maris,  "  Ye  shall  abide  <ne  here,  until  I  know  what  manner 
of  knight  he  is,  for  it  were  a  great  shame  unto  us,  inas- 
much as  he  is  but  one  knight,  and  we  should  both  do 
battle  with  him." 

"Do  as  ye  list,"  said  Sir  Ector  de  Maris,  "here  shall 
I  abide  you  until  that  I  hear  of  you  again." 

Then  Sir  Percival  passed  the  water ;  and  when  he  came 
unto  the  castle  gate,  he  said  to  the  porter,  "  Go  thou  unto 
the  good  knight  within  the  castle,  and  tell  him  that  here 
is  come  an  errant  knight  to  joust  with  him." 

"  Sir,"  said  the  porter,  "  ride  ye  within  the  castle,  and 
there  shall  ye  find  a  common  place  for  jousting,  that  lords 
and  ladies  may  behold  you." 

So  anon  as  Sir  Launcelot  had  warning,  he  was  soon 
ready.  And  there  Sir  Percival  and  Sir  Launcelot  en- 
countered with  such  a  might,  and  their  spears  weie  so 
rude,  that  both  the  horses  and  the  knights  fell  to  the 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  93 

ground.  And  then  they  avoided  their  horses,  and  drew 
out  their  swords,  and  hewed  away  cantels  [pieces]  of  their 
shields,  and  hurled  together  with  their  shields  like  two 
wild  boars,  and  either  wounded  other  passing  sore.  And 
at  the  last  Sir  Percival  spake  first,  when  they  had  fought 
more  than  two  hours. 

"Fair  knight,"  said  Sir  Percival,  "I  require  thee  tell 
me  thy  name,  for  I  met  never  with  such  a  knight  as  ye 
are." 

"Sir,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "my  name  is  Le  Chevaliei 
Mai  Fait  Now  tell  me  your  name,"  said  Sir  Launcelot, 
"I  require  you,  as  ye  are  a  gentle  knight." 

"  Truly,"  said  Sir  Percival,  "  my  name  is  Sir  Percival  de 
Galis,  which  is  brother  unto  the  good  knight  Sir  Lamorack 
de  Galis,  and  King  Pellinore  was  our  father,  and  Sir  Agla- 
val  is  my  brother." 

"  Alas ! "  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "what  have  I  done,  to  fight 

:h  you  that  are  a  knight  of  the  Round  Table,  that  some 
"time  was  your  fellow  hi  King  Arthur's  court  ?J} 

And  therewithal  Sir  Launcelot  kneeled  down  upon  his 
knees,  and  threw  away  his  shield  and  his  sword  from  him. 
When  Sir  Percival  saw  him  do  so,  he  marvelled  what  he 
meant  And  then  thus  he  said,  "  Sir  knight,  whatsoever 
them  be,  I  require  thee  upon  the  high  order  of  knight- 
hood, tell  me  thy  true  name." 

Then  he  said,  "Truly  my  name  is  Sir  Launcelot  du 
Lake,  King  Ban's  son  of  Benoy." 

"  Alas ! "  said  Sir  Percival,  "what  have  I  done  !  I  was 
sent  by  the  queen  for  to  seek  you,  and  so  I  have  sought 
you  nigh  this  two  year ;  and  yonder  is  Sir  Ector  de  Maris 
your  brother  abideth  me  on  the  other  side  of  the  yonder 
water.  Now  I  pray  you  f«  rgive  me  mine  offence  that  I 
have  here  done." 


94  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  It  is  soon  forgiven,"  said  Sir  Launcelot. 

Then  Sir  Percival  sent  for  Sir  Ector  de  Maris.  And 
when  Sir  Launcelot  had  a  sight  of  him,  he  ran  untc  him 
and  took  him  in  his  arms,  and  then  Sir  Ector  kneeled 
down  and  either  wept  upon  other,  that  all  had  pity  to 
behold  them.  Then  came  dame  Elaine,  and  she  there 
made  them  great  cheer  as  might  lie  in  her  power ;  and 
there  she  told  Sir  Ector  and  Sir  Percival  how  and  in  what 
manner  Sir  Launcelot  came  into  that  country,  and  how 
he  was  healed.  And  there  it  was  known  how  long  Sir 
Launcelot  was  with  Sir  Bliant  and  with  Sir  Seliuant,  and 
how  he  first  met  with  them,  and  how  he  departed  from 
them  because  of  a  boar ;  and  how  the  hermit  healed  Sir 
Launcelot  of  his  great  wound,  and  how  that  he  came  to 
Corbin. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 
How  SIR  LAUNCELOT  WITH  SIR  PERCIVAL  AND  SIR  ECTOR  CAME  TO 

THE  COURT,  AND  OF  THEIR  GREAT  JOY  OF   HlM. 

SIR,"  said  Sir  Ector,  "  I  am  your  own  brother,  and  ye 
are  the  man  in  the  world  that  I  love  most,  and,  if  I 
understood  that  it  were  your  disworship,  ye  may  right  well 
understand  that  I  would  never  counsel  you  thereto ;  but 
King  Arthur  and  all  his  knights,  and  in  especial  Queen 
Guenever,  made  such  dole  and  sorrow  that  it  was  marvel 
to  hear  and  see.  And  ye  must  remember  the  great 
worship  and  renown  that  ye  be  of,  how  that  ye  have 
been  more  spoken  of  than  any  other  knight  that  is  now 
living,  for  there  is  none  that  beareth  the  name  now  but 
ye  and  Sir  Tristram.  Therefore,  brother,"  said  Sir  Ector, 
"make  you  ready  to  ride  unto  the  court  with  us,  and  I 


Of  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake.  95 

dare  well  say  there  was  never  knight  better  welcome  unto 
the  court  than  ye.  And  I  wot  well  and  can  make  it 
good,"  said  Sir  Ector,  "it  hath  cost  my  lady  the  queen 
twenty  thousand  pound  the  seeking  of  you." 

"Well,  brother,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "I  will  do  after 
your  counsel  and  ride  with  you." 

So  then  they  took  their  horses,  and  made  them  ready, 
and  took  their  leave  of  King  Pelles  and  of  dame  Elaine ; 
and  when  Sir  Launcelot  should  depart,  dame  Elaine  made 
great  sorrow. 

Then  they  departed,  and  within  five  days'  journey  they 
came  to  Camelot,  which  is  called,  hi  English,  Winchester. 
And  when  Sir  Launcelot  was  come  among  them,  the  king 
and  all  the  knights  made  great  joy  of  him  ;  and  there  Sii 
Percival  de  Galis  and  Sir  Ector  de  Maris  began  to  tell  of 
all  the  adventures,  how  Sir  Launcelot  had  been  out  of  his 
mind  all  the  time  of  his  absence,  how  he  called  himself 
Le  Chevalier  Mai  Fait,  as  much  to  say  the  kn?ght  that  had 
trespassed,  and  in  three  days  Sir  Launcelot  smote  down 
five  hundred  knights.  And  ever  as  Sir  Ector  and  Sir 
Percival  told  these  tales  of  Sir  Launcelot,  Queen  Guenever 
wept  as  she  would  have  died ;  then  afterward  the  queen 
made  great  joy. 

"  O  Jesu ! "  said  King  Arthur,  "  I  marvel  for  what  cause 
ye,  Sir  Launcelot,  went  out  of  your  mind  ?  " 

"My  lord,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "if  I  did  any  folly,  I 
have  found  that  I  sought." 

And  so  the  king  held  him  still,  and  spake  no  more ;  but 
all  Sir  Launcelot's  kin  knew  for  whom  he  went  out  of  his 
mind.  And  then  there  were  great  feasts  made  and  great 
joy,  and  many  great  lords  and  ladies,  when  they  heard  that 
Sir  Launcelot  was  come  to  the  court  again,  made  great 
joy. 


BOOK  III. 
OF  SIR  GARETH  OF  ORKNEY, 

WHO  WAS   CALLED  BEAUMAINS. 


CHAPTER    I. 

How   BEAUMAINS  CAME  TO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT,  AND  DEMANDBB 
THREE  PETITIONS  OF  KING  ARTHUR. 

WHEN  Arthur  held  his  Round  Table  most  fully,  it 
fortuned  that  he  commanded  that  the  high  feast  of 
Pentecost  should  be  holden  at  a  city  and  a  castle,  the 
which  in  those  days  was  called  King-Kenadon,  upon  the 
sands  that  marched  [bordered]  nigh  Wales.  So  ever  the 
king  had  a  custom  that  at  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  in  espe- 
cial afore  other  feasts  in  the  year,  he  would  not  go  that 
day  to  meat  until  he  had  heard  or  seen  of  a  great  marvel. 
And  for  that  custom  all  manner  of  strange  adventures 
came  before  Arthur  as  at  that  feast  before  all  other  feasts. 
And  so  Sir  Gawaine,  a  little  tofore  noon  of  the  day  of 
Pentecost,  espied  at  a  window  three  men  upon  horseback 
and  a  dwarf  on  foot.  And  so  the  three  men  alighted,  and 
the  dwarf  kept  their  horses,  and  one  of  the  three  men  was 
higher  than  the  other  twain  by  a  foot  and  a  half.  Then 
96 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  97 

Sir  Gawaine  went  unto  the  king  and  said,  "Sir,  go  to  your 
meat,  for  here  at  hand  come  strange  adventures." 

So  Arthur  went  unto  his  meat  with  many  other  kings. 
And  there  were  all  the  knights  of  the  Round  Table,  save 
these  that  were  prisoners  or  slain  at  a  recounter.  Then 
at  the  high  feast  evermore  they  should  be  fulfilled  the 
whole  number  of  an  hundred  and  fifty,  for  then  was  the 
Round  Table  fully  accomplished.  Right  so  came  into 
the  hall  two  men  well  beseen  and  richly,  and  upon  their 
shoulders  there  leaned  the  goodliest  young  man  and  the 
fairest  that  ever  they  all  saw,  and  he  was  large  and  long, 
and  broad  in  the  shoulders,  and  well  visaged,  and  the  fair- 
est and  the  largest  handed  that  ever  man  saw,  but  he  fared 
as  though  he  might  not  go  nor  bear  himself  but  if  he 
leaned  upon  their  shoulders.  Anon  as  Arthur  saw  him, 
there  was  made  peace  \silence\  and  room,  and  right  so  they 
went  with  him  unto  the  high  dais,  without  saying  of  any 
words.  Then  this  big  young  man  pulled  him  aback,  and 
easily  stretched  up  straight,  saying,  "  King  Arthur,  God 
you  bless,  and  all  your  fair  fellowship,  and  in  especial  the 
fellowship  of  the  Table  Round.  And  for  this  cause  I  am 
come  hither,  to  pray  you  and  require  you  to  give  me  three 
gifts,  and  they  shall  not  be  unreasonably  asked,  but  that 
ye  may  worshipfully  and  honorably  grant  them  me,  and  to 
you  no  great  hurt  nor  loss.  And  as  for  the  first  gift  I  will 
ask  now,  and  the  other  two  gifts  I  will  ask  this  day  twehe- 
month  wheresoever  ye  hold  your  high  feast" 

"  Now  ask,"  said  Arthur,  "  and  ye  shall  have  your  ask- 
ing." 

"  Now,  sir,  this  is  my  petition  for  this  feast,  that  ye  will 
give  me  meat  and  drink  sufficiently  for  this  twelvemonth, 
and  at  that  day  I  will  ask  mine  other  two  gifts." 

"  My  fair  son,"  said  Arthur,  "ask  beft"r  I  counsel  thee, 


The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


for  this  is  but  a  simple  asking,  for  my  heart  giveth  me  to 
thee  greatly  that  thou  art  come  of  men  of  worship,  and 
greatly  my  conceit  faileth  me  but  thou  shalt  prove  a  man 
of  right  great  worship." 

"  Sir,"  said  he,  "  thereof  be  as  it  may,  I  have  asked  that 
I  will  ask." 

"  Well,"  said  the  king,  "  ye  shall  have  meat  and  drink 
enough,  I  never  defended  that  none,  neither  my  friend  nor 
my  foe.  But  what  is  thy  name  I  would  wit  ? " 

"  I  cannot  tell  you,"  said  he. 

"That  is  marvel,"  said  the  king,  "that  thou  knowest 
not  thy  name,  and  thou  art  the  goodliest  young  man  that 
ever  I  saw." 

Then  the  king  betook  him  to  Sir  Kay,  the  steward, 
and  charged  him  that  he  should  give  him  of  all  manner 
of  meats  and  drinks  of  the  best,  and  also  that  he  had  all 
manner  of  finding  as  though  he  were  a  lord's  son. 

"That  shall  little  need,"  said  Sir  Kay,  "to  do  such  cost 
upon  him ;  for  I  dare  undertake  he  is  a  villain  born,  and 
never  will  make  man,  for  and  he  had  come  of  gentlemen 
he  would  have  asked  of  you  horse  and  armor,  but  such  as 
he  is,  so  he  asketh.  And  since  he  hath  no  name,  I  shall 
give  him  a  name  :  that  shall  be  Beaumains,  that  is  Fair- 
hands,  and  into  the  kitchen  I  shall  bring  him,  and  there 
he  shall  have  fat  browis  \brotK\  every  day,  that  he  shall  be 
as  fat  by  the  twelvemonth's  end  as  a  pork  hog." 

Right  so  the  two  men  departed,  and  left  him  to  Sir  Kay, 
that  scorned  him  and  mocked  him. 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  99 


CHAPTER  IL 

How  SIR  LACNCELOT  AXD  SIR  GAWAIN  WERK  WROTH  BECAUSE  Sn 
KAY  MOCKED  BEAUMAINS,  AND  OF  A  DAMSEL  WHICH  DESIRED  A 
KNIGHT  FOR  TO  FIGHT  FOR  A  LADY. 

npHEREAT  was  Sir  Gawaine  wroth,  and  in  especial 
JL  Sir  Launcelot  bade  Sir  Kay  leave  his  mocking,  "for 
I  dare  lay  my  head  he  shall  prove  a  man  of  great  wor- 
ship." 

"  Let  be,"  said  Sir  Kay,  "  it  may  not  be,  by  no  reason, 
for  as  he  is,  so  hath  he  asked" 

"  Beware,"  said  Sir  Launcelot ;  "  so  ye  gave  the  good 
knight  Brewnor,  Sir  Dinadan's  brother,  a  name,  and  ye 
called  him  La  Cote  Mai  Taile,  and  that  turned  you  to 
anger  afterward." 

"  As  for  that,"  said  Sir  Kay,  "  this  shall  never  prove 
none  such  ;  for  Sir  Brewnor  desired  ever  worship,  and  this 
desireth  bread  and  drink,  and  broth ;  upon  pain  of  my  life 
he  was  fostered  up  in  some  abbey,  and,  howsoever  it  was, 
they  failed  meat  and  drink,  and  so  hither  he  is  come  for 
his  sustenance." 

And  so  Sir  Kay  bade  get  him  a  place  and  sit  down  to 
meat,  so  Beaumains  went  to  the  hall  door,  and  set  him 
down  among  boys  and  lads,  and  there  he  eat  sadly.  And 
then  Sir  Launcelot  after  meat  bade  him  come  to  his 
chamber,  and  there  he  should  have  meat  and  drink 
enough.  And  so  did  Sir  Gawaine,  but  he  refused 
them  all ;  he  would  do  none  other  but  as  Sir  Kay  com- 
manded him,  for  no  proffer.  But  as  touching  Sir  Gawaine, 
he  had  reason  to  proffer  him  lodging,  meat,  and  drink,  for 
that  prcffer  came  of  his  blood,  for  he  was  nearer  kin  to 


too  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

him  than  he  wist.  But  that  Sir  Launcelot  did  was  of  his 
great  gentleness  and  courtesy.  So  thus  he  was  put  into 
the  kitchen,  and  lay  nightly  as  the  boys  of  the  kitchen 
did.  And  so  he  endured  all  that  twelvemonth,  and  never 
displeased  man  nor  child,  but  always  he  was  meek  and 
mild.  But  ever  when  he  saw  any  jousting  of  knights, 
that  would  he  see  and  he  might.  And  ever  Sir  Launce- 
lot would  give  him  gold  to  spend,  and  clothes,  and  so  did 
Sir  Gawaine.  And  where  were  any  masteries  done 
thereat  would  he  be,  and  there  might  none  cast  the  bar 
or  stone  to  him  by  two  yards.  Then  would  Sir  Kay  say, 
"  How  like  you  my  boy  of  the  kitchen  ? "  So  it  passed 
on  till  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  and  at  that  time  the  king 
held  it  at  Carleon,  in  the  most  royallest  wise  that  might  be, 
like  as  yearly  he  did.  But  the  king  would  eat  no  meat 
on  the  Whitsunday  till  he  had  heard  of  some  adventure. 
And  then  came  there  a  squire  to  the  king,  and  said,  "  Sir, 
ye  may  go  to  your  meat,  for  here  cometh  a  damsel  with 
some  strange  adventure."  Then  was  the  king  glad,  and 
set  him  down.  Right  so  there  came  in  a  damsel,  and 
saluted  the  king,  and  prayed  him  for  succor. 

"  For  whom  ? "  said  the  king :  "  what  is  the  adventure  ? " 

"  Sir,"  said  she,  "  I  have  a  lady  of  great  worship  and 
renown,  and  she  is  besieged  with  a  tyrant,  so  that  she 
may  not  go  out  of  her  castle,  and  because  that  here  in 
your  court  are  called  the  noblest  knights  of  the  world,  I 
come  unto  you  and  pray  you  for  succor." 

"  What  call  ye  your  lady,  and  where  dwelleth  she,  and 
who  is  he  and  what  is  his  name  that  hath  besieged  her  ? " 

"Sir  king,"  said  she,  "as  for  my  lady's  name,  that  shall 
not  be  known  for  me  as  at  this  time ;  but  I  let  you  wit  she 
is  a  lady  of  great  worship,  and  of  great  lands.  And  as 
for  the  tyrant  that  besiegeth  her  and  destroyeth  her  land, 
he  is  called  the  Red  Knight  of  the  Red  Lawns." 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  101 

MI  know  him  not,"  said  the  king. 

"Sir,"  said  Sir  Gawaine,"!  know  him  wcfl,  for  he  is 
one  of  the  perilous  knights  of  the  world ;  men  say  that  he 
hath  seven  men's  strength,  and  from  him  I  escaped  once 
fan  hard  with  my  life." 

"Fair  damsel,'*  said  the  king,  "there  be  knights  here 
that  would  do  their  power  to  rescue  your  lady,  hut  *M""MfT 
ye  win  not  tell  her  name  nor  where  she  dwelleth,  therefore 
none  of  my  knights  that  he  here  now  shall  go  with  you 
by  my  wfll." 

-Them  mm*  I  apok tetter,"  said  the  damsel 


CHAPTER  m. 

HOW  BuOnUUBS  f»""»"»  THK  RATTLE.  AXD  HOW  IT  WAS 


THEN  with  these  words  came  before  the  king  Bean- 
mains,  whfle  the  damsel  was  there;  and  thus  he 
said:  "Sir  king,  God  thank  you,  I  have  been  this  twelve 
months  in  your  kitchen,  and  have  had  my  full  sustenance, 
and  now  I  wfll  ask  my  two  gifts  that  be  behind." 

-Ask  upon  my  peril,"  said  the  king. 

"Sir,  these  shaU  be  my  two  gifts:  first,  that  ye  wfll 
grant  me  to  have  this  adventure  of  the  damsel,  for  it 
bdongeth  to  me," 

"Thou  shah  have  it," said  the  king;  « I  grant  it  thee," 

"Then,  sir,  this  is  now  the  other  gift :  that  ye  shall  bid 
Sir  Launcelot  dn  Lake  to  make  me  a  knight,  for  of  him  I 
wfll  be  made  knight,  and  else  of  none ;  and  when  I  am 
passed,  I  pray  you  let  him  ride  after  me,  and  make  me 
knight  wnen  I  require  hinL 


iO2  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  All  this  shall  be  done,"  said  the  king. 

"  Fie  on  thee,"  said  the  damsel ;  "  shall  I  have  none 
but  one  that  is  your  kitchen  page?" 

Then  was  she  wroth,  and  took  her  horse  and  departed. 
And  with  that  there  came  one  to  Beaumains,  and  told  him 
that  his  horse  and  armor  was  come  for  him,  and  there  was 
a  dwarf  come  with  all  things  that  him  needed  in  the 
richest  manner.  Thereat  all  the  court  had  much  marvel 
from  whence  came  all  that  gear.  So  when  he  was  armed, 
there  was  none  but  few  so  goodly  a  man  as  he  was.  And 
right  so  he  came  into  the  hall,  and  took  his  leave  of  King 
Arthur  and  of  Sir  Gawaine,  and  of  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
prayed  him  that  he  would  hie  after  him  ;  and  so  departed 
and  rode  after  the  damsel. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

How  BEAUMAINS  DEPARTED,  AND  HOW  HE  GOT  OF  SIR  KAY  A  SPEAR 
AND  A  SHIELD,  AND  HOW  HE  JOUSTED  AND  FOUGHT  WITH  SIR 
LAUNCELOT. 

BUT  there  went  many  after  to  behold  how  well  he 
was  horsed  and  trapped  in  cloth  of  gold,  but  he  had 
.  .either  shield  nor  spear.  Then  Sir  Kay  said  openly  in 
the  hall :  "  I  will  ride  after  my  boy  of  the  kitchen,  for  to 
wit  [know]  whether  he  will  know  me  for  his  better." 

Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Gawaine  said,  "Yet  abide  at 
home." 

So  Sir  Kay  made  him  ready,  and  took  his  horse  and  his 
spear,  and  rode  after  him.  And  right  as  Beaumains  over- 
took the  damsel,  right  so  came  Sir  Kay,  and  said,  "Beau- 
mains,  what  sir,  know  ye  not  me  ? " 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  103 

Then  he  turned  his  horse,  and  knew  it  was  Sir  Kay, 
that  had  done  him  all  the  despite  as  ye  have  heard  afore. 

"Yea,"  said  Beaumains,  "I  know  yon  for  an  ungentle 
knight  of  the  court,  and  therefore  beware  of  me." 

Therewith  Sir  Kay  put  his  spear  in  the  rest  and  ran 
straight  upon  him,  and  Beanmains  came  as  fast  upon  him 
with  his  sword  in  his  hand ;  and  so  he  put  away  his  spear 
with  his  sword,  and  with  a  f oin  [feixt\  thrust  him  through 
the  side,  that  Sir  Kay  fell  down  as  he  had  been  dead,  and 
he  alighted  down  and  took  Sir  Kay's  shield  and  his  spear, 
and  started  upon  his  own  horse,  and  rode  his  way.  All  that 
saw  Sir  Lanncelot,  and  so  did  the  damsel  And  then  he 
bade  his  dwarf  start  upon  Sir  Kay's  horse,  and  so  he  did. 
By  that  Sir  Lanncelot  was  come.  Then  he  proffered  Sir 
Lanncelot  to  joust,  and  either  made  them  ready,  and  came 
together  so  fiercely  that  either  bare  down  other  to  the 
earth,  and  sore  were  they  bruised.  Then  Sir  Lanncelot 
arose  and  helped  him  from  his  horse.  And  then  Bean- 
mains  threw  his  shield  from  him,  and  proffered  to  fight 
with  Sir  Lanncelot  on  foot,  and  so  they  rushed  together 
like  boars,  tracing,  racing,  and  foining,  to  the  mounte- 
nance  \amtm*f\  of  an  hour,  and  Sir  Lanncelot  felt  him  so 
big  that  he  marvelled  of  his  strength,  for  he  fought  more 
like  a  giant  than  a  knight,  and  that  his  fighting  was  dura- 
ble and  passing  perilous.  For  Sir  Lanncelot  had  so  much 
ado  with  him  that  he  dreaded  himself  to  be  shamed,  and 
said,  M  Beanmains,  fight  not  so  sore,  your  quarrel  and  mine 
is  not  so  great  but  we  may  leave  ofL" 

"Truly,  that  is  truth,"  said  Beanmains,  "but  it  doth  me 
good  to  feel  your  might,  and  yet,  my  lord,  I  showed  not 
tae  uttermost.'' 


IO4  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  V. 

How  BEAUMAINS  TOLD  TO  SIR  LAUNCELOT  HIS  NAME,  AND  HOW  HI 
WAS  DUBBED  KNIGHT  OF  SlR  LAUNCELOT,  AND  AFTER  OVERTOOK  THB 
DAMSEL. 

WELL,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "for  I  promise  you  by 
the  faith  of  my  body  I  had  as  much  to  do  as  I 
might  to  save  myself  from  you  unshamed,  and  therefore 
have  ye  no  doubt  of  none  earthly  knight." 

"Hope  ye  so  that  I  may  any  while  stand  a  proved 
knight  ? "  said  Beaumains. 

"  Yea,"  said  Launcelot,  "  do  ye  as  ye  have  done.  <tnd  I 
shall  be  your  warrant." 

"Then,  I  pray  you,"  said  Beaumains,  "give  me  the 
order  of  knighthood." 

"Then  must  ye  tell  me  your  name,"  said  Launcelot, 
"  and  of  what  kin  ye  be  born." 

"  Sir,  so  that  ye  will  not  discover  me  I  shall,"  said  Beau- 
mains. 

"Nay,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "and  that  I  promise  you 
by  the  faith  of  my  body,  until  it  be  openly  known." 

"  Then,  Sir,"  he  said,  "  my  name  is  Gareth,  and  brother 
unto  Sir  Gawaine,  of  father  and  mother." 

"Ah!  Sir,"  said  Launcelot,  "I  am  more  gladder  of  you 
than  I  was,  for  ever  me  thought  ye  should  be  of  great 
blood,  and  that  ye  came  not  to  the  court  neither  for  meat 
nor  for  drink." 

And  then  Sir  Launcelot  gave  him  the  order  of  knight- 
hood. And  then  Sir  Gareth  prayed  him  for  to  depart, 
and  let  him  go.  So  Sir  Launcelot  departed  from  him  and 
came  to  Sir  Kay,  and  made  him  to  be  borne  home  upon 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  105 

his  shield,  and  so  he  was  healed  hard  with  the  life,  and  all 
men  scorned  Sir  Kay,  and  in  especial  Sir  Gawaine  and 
Sir  Launcelot  said  it  was  not  his  part  to  rebuke  [any] 
young  man,  for  full  little  knew  he  of  what  birth  he  is 
come,  and  for  what  cause  he  came  to  this  court  And  so 
we  leave  off  Sir  Kay  and  turn  we  unto  Beaumains.  When 
he  had  overtaken  the  damsel  anon  she  said,  "  What  dost 
thou  here  ?  thou  stinkest  all  of  the  kitchen,  thy  clothes 
be  foul  of  the  grease  and  tallow  that  thou  gainedst  in 
King  Arthur's  kitchen ;  weenest  thou,"  said  she,  "  that  I 
allow  thee  for  yonder  knight  that  thou  killedst  ?  Nay  truly, 
for  thou  slewest  him  unhappily  and  cowardly,  therefore 
return  again,  kitchen  page,  I  know  thee  well,  for  Sir  Kay 
named  thee  Beaumains.  What  art  thou  but  a  turner  of 
broaches  and  a  washer  of  dishes ! " 

"Damsel,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "say  to  me  what  ye 
list,  I  will  not  go  from  you  whatsoever  ye  say,  for  I  have 
undertaken  of  King  Arthur  for  to  achieve  your  adventure, 
and  I  shall  finish  it  to  the  end,  or  I  shall  die  therefore." 

"Fie  on  thee,  kitchen  knave.  Wflt  thou  finish  mine 
adventure  ?  thou  shalt  anon  be  met  withal,  that  thou 
wouldest  not,  for  all  the  broth  that  ever  thou  suppest,  once 
look  him  in  the  face." 

"  I  shall  assay,"  said  Beaumains.  So  as  they  thus  rode 
In  the  wood,  there  came  a  man  flying  all  that  he  might. 

"  Whither  wilt  thou  ?  said  Beaumains. 

"O  lord,"  said  he,  "help  me,  for  hereby  in  a  slade 
are  six  thieves  which  have  taken  my  lord  and  bound 
him,  and  I  am  afraid  lest  they  will  slay  him." 

"Bring  me  thither,"  said  Sir  Beaumains. 

And  so  they  rode  together  till  they  came  there  as  the 
knight  was  bound  ;  and  then  he  rode  unto  the  thieves,  and 
struck  one  at  the  first  stroke  to  death,  and  then  another, 


ro6  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

and  at  the  third  stroke  he  slew  the  third  thief ;  and  ther 
the  other  three  fled,  and  he  rode  after  and  overtook  them, 
and  then  those  three  thieves  turned  again  and  hard  as- 
sailed Sir  Beaumains ;  but  at  the  last  he  slew  them ;  and 
then  returned  and  unbound  the  knight.  And  the  knight 
thanked  him,  and  prayed  him  to  ride  with  him  to  his  castle 
there  a  little  beside,  and  he  should  worshipfully  reward 
him  for  his  good  deeds. 

"  Sir,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  I  will  no  reward  have ;  I 
was  this  day  made  knight  of  the  noble  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
therefore  I  will  have  no  reward,  but  God  reward  me.  And 
also  I  must  follow  this  damsel." 

And  when  he  came  nigh  her,  she  bade  him  ride  from 
her,  "  for  thou  smellest  all  of  the  kitchen.  Weenest  thou 
that  I  have  joy  of  thee  ?  for  all  this  deed  that  thou  hast 
done  is  but  mishappened  thee.  But  thou  shalt  see  a  sight 
that  shall  make  thee  to  turn  again,  and  that  lightly." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

How  SIR  BEAUMAINS  FOUGHT  WITH  THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  BLACK  LAWNS, 

AND  HE  FOUGHT  SO  LONG  WITH  HIM  THAT  THE  BLACK  KNIGHT  FELL 
DOWN  AND  DIED. 

f'T^HEN  all  the  next  day]  this  Beaumains  rode  with  that 
L  i-  lady  till  even-song  time,  and  ever  she  chid  him  and 
would  not  rest.  And  then  they  came  to  a  black  lawn,  and 
there  was  a  black  hawthorn,  and  thereon  hung  a  black 
banner,  and  on  the  other  side  there  hung  a  black  shield, 
and  by  it  stood  a  black  spear  and  a  long,  and  a  great  black 
horse  covered  with  silk,  and  a  black  stone  fast  by  it. 
There  sat  a  knight  all  armed  in  black  harness,  and  his 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  107 

name  was  the  Knight  of  the  Black  Lawns.  When  the 
damsel  saw  the  black  knight,  she  bade  Sir  Beaumains  flee 
down  the  valley,  for  his  horse  was  not  saddled. 

"  I  thank  you,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "for  always  ye  will 
have  me  a  coward." 

With  that  the  black  knight  came  to  the  damsel,  and 
said,  "  Fair  damsel,  have  ye  brought  this  knight  from  King 
Arthur's  court  to  be  your  champion  ? " 

"  Nay,  fair  knight,"  said  she,  "  this  is  but  a  kitchen  knave, 
that  hath  been  fed  in  King  Arthur's  kitchen  for  alms." 

"Wherefore  cometh  he  in  such  array  ?  "  said  the  knight : 
"it  is  great  shame  that  he  beareth  you  company." 

"  Sir,  I  cannot  be  delivered  of  him,"  said  the  damsel, 
"  for  with  me  he  rideth  maugre  \in  spite  of]  mine  head ; 
would  to  God  ye  would  put  him  from  me,  or  else  to  slay 
him  if  ye  may,  for  he  is  an  unhappy  knave,  and  unhappy 
hath  he  done  to-day  through  misadventure ;  for  I  saw  him 
slay  two  knights  at  the  passage  of  the  water,  and  other 
deeds  he  did  before  right  marvellous,  and  all  through  un- 
happiness." 

"That  marvelleth  me,"  said  the  black  knight,  "that  any 
man  the  which  is  of  worship  will  have  to  do  with  him." 

"  Sir,  they  know  him  not,"  said  the  damsel,  "  and  because 
he  rideth  with  me  they  think  he  is  some  man  of  worship 
born." 

"That  may  be,"  said  the  black  knight,  "howbeit,  as  ye 
say  that  he  be  no  man  of  worship,  he  is  a  full  likely  person, 
and  full  like  to  be  a  strong  man ;  but  thus  much  shall  I 
grant  you,"  said  the  black  knight,  "I  shall  put  him  down 
upon  his  feet,  and  his  horse  and  his  harness  he  shall 
leave  with  me,  for  it  were  shame  to  me  to  do  him  any 
more  harm." 

When  Sir  Beaumains  heard  him  say  thus,  he  said,  "  Sir 


io8  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

knight,  thou  art  full  liberal  of  my  horse  and  my  harness 
I  let  thee  wit  it  cost  thee  nought,  and  whether  it  liketh 
thee  or  not  this  lawn  will  I  pass,  maugre  thine  head,  and 
horse  nor  harness  gettest  thou  none  of  me,  but  if  thou 
win  them  with  thy  hands ;  and  therefore  let  see  what  thou 
canst  do." 

"  Sayst  thou  that  ? "  said  the  black  knight,  "  now  yield 
thy  lady  from  thee,  for  it  beseemeth  never  a  kitchen  page 
to  ride  with  such  a  lady." 

"  Thou  liest,"  said  Beaumains,  "  I  am  a  gentleman  born, 
and  of  more  high  lineage  than  thou,  and  that  will  I  prove 
on  thy  body." 

Then  in  great  wrath  they  departed  with  their  horses,  and 
came  together  as  it  had  been  the  thunder  ;  and  the  black 
knight's  spear  brake,  and  Beaumains  thrust  him  through 
both  his  sides,  and  therewith  his  spear  brake,  and  the 
truncheon  left  still  in  his  side.  But  nevertheless  the 
black  knight  drew  his  sword,  and  smote  many  eager 
strokes  and  of  great  might,  and  hurt  Beaumains  full  sore. 
But  at  the  last  the  black  knight  within  an  hour  and  a  half 
he  fell  down  off  his  horse  in  a  swoon,  and  there  he  died. 
And  then  Beaumains  saw  him  so  well  horsed  and  armed, 
then  he  alighted  down,  and  armed  him  in  his  armor,  and 
so  took  his  horse,  and  rode  after  the  damsel.  When  she 
saw  him  come  nigh,  she  said,  "Away,  kitchen  knave,  oul 
of  the  wind,  for  the  smell  of  thy  foul  clothes  grieveth  me. 
Alas,"  she  said,  "  that  ever  such  a  knave  as  thou  art  should 
by  mishap  slay  so  good  a  knight  as  thou  hast  done,  but  all 
this  is  thine  unhappiness.  But  hereby  is  one  shall  pay 
thee  all  thy  payment,  and  therefore  yet  I  counsel  thee, 
flee." 

"It  may  happen  me,"  said  Beaumains,  "to  be  beaten  or 
slain,  but  I  warn  you,  fair  damsel,  I  will  not  flee  away  for 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  109 

him,  nor  leave  your  company  for  all  that  ye  can  say ;  fot 
ever  ye  say  that  they  slay  me  or  beat  me,  but  how  soever 
it  happeneth  I  escape,  and  they  lie  on  the  ground,  and 
therefore  it  were  as  good  for  you  to  hold  you  still,  than 
thus  to  rebuke  me  all  day,  for  away  will  I  not  till  I  feel 
*:he  uttermost  of  this  journey,  or  else  I  will  be  slain  or 
truly  beaten ;  therefore  ride  on  your  way,  for  follow  you 
I  will,  whatsoever  happen." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

How  THE  BROTHER  OP  THE  KNIGHT  THAT  WAS  SLAIN  MET  WITH  Snt 
BEAtntAiNs,  AND  FOUGHT  WITH  Snt  BEAVMAINS,  WHICH  YIELDED  HIM 

AT  THE  LAST. 

THUS  as  they  rode  together  they  saw  a  knight  come 
driving  by  them  all  in  green,  both  his  horse  and  his 
harness,  and  when  he  came  nigh  the  damsel  he  asked 
of  her,  "  Is  that  my  brother,  the  black  knight,  that  ye  have 
brought  with  you  ? " 

"Nay,  nay,"  said  she,  "this  unhappy  kitchen  knave  hath 
slain  your  brother  through  unhappiness." 

"  Alas ! "  said  the  green  knight,  "  that  is  great  pity  that 
so  noble  a  knight  as  he  was  should  so  unhappily  be  slain, 
and  namely  of  a  knave's  hand,  as  ye  say  he  is.  Ah, 
traitor ! "  said  the  green  knight,  "  thou  shalt  die  for  slay- 
irg  of  my  brother;  he  was  a  full  noble  knight,  and  his 
nime  was  Sir  Periard." 

"I  defy  thee,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "for  I  let  thee  to 
wit  I  slew  him  knightly,  and  not  shamefully." 

Therewithal  the  green  knight  rode  unto  an  horn  that 
was  gre*n,  and  it  hung  upon  a  thorn,  and  there  he  blew 


no  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

three  deadly  notes,  and  there  came  three  damsels  that 
lightly  armed  him.  And  then  took  he  a  great  horse,  and 
a  green  shield  and  a  green  spear.  And  then  they  ran 
together  with  all  their  mights,  and  brake  their  spears  unto 
their  hands.  And  then  they  drew  their  swords,  and  gave 
many  sad  strokes,  and  either  of  them  wounded  other  full 
ill.  And  at  the  last  at  an  overthwart  Beaumains'  horse 
struck  the  green  knight's  horse  upon  the  side  [that]  he  fell 
to  the  earth.  And  then  the  green  knight  avoided  his  horse 
lightly,  and  dressed  him  upon  foot.  That  saw  Btaumains, 
and  therewithal  he  alighted,  and  they  rushed  together  like 
two  mighty  champions  a  long  while,  and  sore  they  bUd 
both.  With  that  came  the  damsel  and  said,  "  My  lord  ti  ie 
green  knight,  why  for  shame  stand  ye  so  long  fighth:  * 
with  the  kitchen  knave  ?  Alas,  it  is  shame  that  ever  \  » 
were  made  knight,  to  see  such  a  lad  match  such  a  knighl 
as  the  weed  overgrew  the  corn." 

Therewith  the  green  knight  was  ashamed,  and  there 
withal  he  gave  a  great  stroke  of  might,  and  clave  hi* 
shield  through.  When  Beaumains  saw  his  shield  cloven 
asunder  he  was  a  little  ashamed  of  that  stroke,  and  of  hei 
language ;  and  then  he  gave  him  such  a  buffet  upon  the 
helm  that  he  fell  on  his  knees ;  and  so  suddenly  Beau- 
mains  pulled  him  upon  the  ground  grovelling.  And  then 
the  green  knight  cried  him  mercy,  and  yielded  him  unto 
Sir  Beaumains,  and  prayed  him  to  slay  him  not. 

"  All  is  in  vain,"  said  Beaumains,  "  for  thou  shalt  die, 
but  if  this  damsel  that  came  with  me  pray  me  to  save  thy 
life." 

And  therewithal  he  unlaced  his  helm,  like  as  he  would 
slay  him. 

"  Fie  upon  thee,  false  kitchen  page,  I  will  never  pray 
thee  to  save  his  life,  for  I  never  will  be  so  much  in  thy 
danger." 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  in 

"  Then  shall  he  die,"  said  Beaumains. 

"Not  so  hardy,  thou  foul  knave,"  said  the  damsel,  "that 
thou  slay  him." 

"  Alas,"  said  the  green  knight,  "  suffer  me  not  to  die, 
for  a  fair  word  may  save  my  life,  O  fair  knight,"  said  the 
green  knight,  "  save  my  life,  and  I  will  forgive  the  death 
of  my  brother,  and  forever  to  become  thy  man,  and  thirty 
knights  that  hold  of  me  forever  shall  do  you  service." 

Said  the  damsel,  "That  such  a  kitchen  knave  should 
have  thee  and  thirty  knights'  service ! " 

"  Sir  knight,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  all  this  availeth  not, 
but  if  my  damsel  speak  with  me  for  thy  life," 

And  therewithal  he  made  resemblance  to  slay  him. 

"  Let  be,"  said  the  damsel,  "  thou  knave,  slay  him  not, 
for  if  thou  do,  thou  shalt  repent  it." 

"Damsel,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "your  charge  is  to  me 
a  pleasure,  and  at  your  commandment  his  life  shall  be 
saved,  and  else  not" 

Then  he  said,  "  Sir  knight  with  the  green  arms,  I  release 
thee  quit  [acquitted}  at  this  damsel's  request,  for  I  will  not 
make  her  wroth,  I  will  fulfil  all  that  she  chargeth  me." 

And  then  the  green  knight  kneeled  down  and  did  him 
homage  with  his  sword. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
How  THE  DAMSEL  ALWAYS  REBUKED  SIR  BEAUMAINS,  AND  WOULD  NOT 

SUFFER  HIM  TO  SIT  AT  HER  TABLE,  BUT  CALLED  HIM  KjTCHEN  PACK. 

AND  always  the  damsel  rebuked  Sir  Beaumains.     And 
so  that  night  they  went  unto  rest,  and  all  that  night 
vbe  green    knight  commanded  thirty  knights  privily  to 


ii2  The,  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

watch  Beaumains,  for  to  keep  him  from  all  treason.  And 
so  on  the  morn  they  all  arose,  and  heard  their  mass  and 
brake  their  fast,  and  then  they  took  their  horses  and 
rode  on  their  way,  and  the  green  knight  conveyed  them 
through  the  forest,  and  there  the  green  knight  said,  "My 
lord  Beaumains,  I  and  these  thirty  knights  shall  be  alway 
at  your  summons,  both  early  and  late,  at  your  calling,  and 
where  that  ever  ye  will  send  us." 

"It  is  well  said,"  said  Beaumains;  "when  that  I  call 
upon  you  ye  must  yield  you  unto  King  Arthur  and  all 
your  knights." 

"  If  that  ye  so  command  us,  we  shall  be  ready  at  all 
times,"  said  the  green  knight. 

"  Fie,  fie  upon  thee,"  said  the  damsel,  "  that  any  good 
knights  should  be  obedient  unto  a  kitchen  knave." 

So  then  departed  the  green  knight  and  the  damsel. 
And  then  she  said  unto  Beaumains,  "  Why  followest  thou 
me,  thou  kitchen  boy,  cast  away  thy  shield  and  thy  spear 
and  flee  away,  yet  I  counsel  thee  betimes,  or  thou  shalt 
say  right  soon,  Alas  ! " 


CHAPTER   IX. 

HOW   SIR    BEAUMAINg    SUFFERED  GREAT  REBUKES  OF  THE  DAMSEL,  AND 
HE  SUFFERED  IT  PATIENTLY. 

DAMSEL,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  ye  are  uncourteous 
so  to  rebuke  me  as  ye  do,  for  meseemeth  I  have 
done  you  great  service,  and  ever  ye  threaten  me  for  I 
shall  be  beaten  with  knights  that  we  meet,  but  ever  for  all 
your  boast  they  lie  in  the  dust  or  in  the  mire,  and  there- 
fore I  pray  you  rebuke  me  no  more ;  and  when  ye  see  me 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  113 

beaten  or  yielden  as  recreant,  then  may  ye  bid  me  go  from 
you  shamefully,  but  first  I  let  you  wit  I  will  not  depart 
from  you,  for  I  were  worse  than  a  fool  and  I  would  depart 
from  you  all  the  while  that  I  win  worship." 

"Well,"  said  she,  "right  soon  there  shall  meet  a  knight 
shall  pay  thee  all  thy  wages,  for  he  is  the  most  man  ol 
worship  of  the  world,  except  King  Arthur." 

"I  will  well,"  said  Beaumains ;  "the  more  he  is  of  wor- 
ship the  more  shall  be  my  worship  to  have  ado  with  him." 

Then  anon  they  were  ware  where  was  before  them  a 
city  rich  and  fair.  And  betwixt  them  and  the  city  a  mile 
and  a  half  there  was  a  fair  meadow  that  seemed  new 
mown,  and  therein  were  many  pavilions  fair  to  behold. 

"  Lo,"  said  the  damsel,  "yonder  is  a  lord  that  owneth 
yonder  city,  and  his  custom  is  when  the  weather  is  fair  to 
lie  in  this  meadow  to  joust  and  tourney ;  and  ever  there 
be  about  him  five  hundred  knights  and  gentlemen  of  arms, 
and  there  be  all  manner  of  games  that  any  gentleman  can 
devise." 

"That  goodly  lord,"  said  Beaumains,  "would  I  fain  see." 

"Thou  shalt  see  him  time  enough,"  said  the  damseL 

And  so  as  she  rode  near  she  espied  the  pavilion  where 
he  was. 

*Lo,"  said  she,  "seest  thou  yonder  pavilion,  that  is  all 
of  the  colorjjfjnde,  and  all  manner  of  thing  that  there  is 
about,  men  and  women,  and  horses  trapped,  shields  and 
spears,  all  of  the  color  of  Inde,  and  his  name  is  Sir  Per- 
sant  of  Inde,  the  most  lordliest  knight  that  ever  thou 
lookedest  on." 

" It  may  well  be,"  said  Beaumains,  "but  be  he  never  so 
stout  a  knight,  in  this  field  I  shall  abide  till  that  I  see  him 
under  his  shield." 

"Ah,  fool,"  said  she,  "thou  were  better  flee  betimes." 


U4  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  Why,"  said  Beaumains,  "  and  he  be  such  a  knight  as 
ye  make  him,  he  will  not  set  upon  me  with  all  his  men,  or 
with  his  five  hundred  knights.  For  and  there  come  no 
more  but  one  at  once,  I  shall  him  not  fail  whilst  my  life 
lasteth. ' 

"Fie,  fie,"  said  the  damsel,  "that  ever  such  a  dirty 
knave  should  blow  such  a  boast." 

"Damsel,"  he  said,  "ye  are  to  blame  so  to  rebuke  me, 
for  I  had  liever  do  five  battles  than  so  to  be  rebuked ;  let 
him  come,  and  then  let  him  do  his  worst." 

"  Sir,"  she  said,  "  I  marvel  what  thou  art,  and  of  what 
kin  thou  art  come  :  boldly  thou  speakest,  and  boldly  thou 
has  done,  that  have  I  seen :  therefore  I  pray  thee  save 
thyself  and  thou  mayest,  for  thy  horse  and  thou  have  had 
great  travail,  and  I  dread  we  dwell  over  long  from  the 
siege,  for  it  is  but  hence  seven  mile,  and  all  perilous  pass- 
ages we  are  past,  save  all  only  this  passage,  and  here  I 
dread  me  sore  lest  ye  shall  catch  some  hurt,  therefore 
I  would  ye  were  hence,  that  ye  were  not  bruised  nor  hurt 
with  this  strong  knight.  But  I  let  you  wit  this  Sir  Per- 
sant  of  Inde  is  nothing  of  might  nor  strength  unto  the 
knight  that  laid  the  siege  about  my  lady." 

"  As  for  that,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  be  it  as  it  may ; 
for  since  I  am  come  so  nigh  this  knight  I  will  prove  his 
might  or  [ere]  I  depart  from  him,  and  else  I  shall  be 
shamed  and  [if]  I  now  withdraw  me  from  him.  And 
therefore,  damsel,  have  ye  no  doubt  by  the  grace  of  God  I 
shall  so  deal  with  this  knight,  that  within  two  hours  after 
noon  I  shall  deliver  him,  and  then  shall  we  come  to  the 
siege  by  daylight." 

"Oh,  mercy,  marvel  have  I,"  said  the  damsel,  "what 
manner  a  man  ye  be,  for  it  may  never  be  otherwise  but  that 
ye  be  come  of  a  noble  blood,  for  so  foul  and  shamefully  did 


Of  Sir  Garetk  of  Orkney.  115 

never  woman  rule  a  knight  as  I  have  done  yon,  and  ever 
courteously  ye  have  suffered  me,  and  that  came  never  hut 
of  a  gentle  blood." 

"Damsel,*'  said  Beaumains,  "a  knight  may  little  do  that 
may  not  suffer  a  damsel ;  for  whatsoever  ye  said  unto  me 
I  took  none  heed  to  your  words,  for  the  more  ye  said  the 
more  ye  angered  me,  and  my  wrath  I  wreaked  upon  them 
that  I  had  ado  withaL  And  therefore  all  the  missaying 
that  ye  missayed  me  furthered  me  in  my  battle,  and  caused 
me  to  think  to  show  and  prove  myself  at  the  end  what  I 
w  as ;  for  peradventure  though  I  had  meat  in  King  Arthur's 
kitchen,  yet  I  might  have  had  meat  enough  in  other 
places ;  but  all  that  I  did  for  to  prove  my  friends ;  and 
whether  I  be  a  gentleman  born  or  no,  fair  damsel,  I  have 
done  you  gentleman's  service,  and  peradventure  better 
sen-ice  yet  will  I  do  you  or  \before\  I  depart  from  you," 

"Alas,"  said  she,  "fair  Beaumains,  forgive  me  all  that  I 
have  missaid  and  misdone  against  you," 

"With  all  my  heart,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "I  forgive  it 
you,  for  ye  did  nothing  but  as  ye  ought  to  do,  for  all  your 
evfl  words  pleased  me ;  and,  damsel,"  said  Sir  Beaumains, 
"sith  \sixce\  it  liketh  you  to  speak  thus  fair  to  me,  wit  ye 
well  it  gladdeth  greatly  mine  heart ;  and  now  meseemeth 
there  is  no  knight  living  but  I  am  able  enough  for  him." 


CHAPTER  X. 

How  Six  BxATOfAncs  VOOGKT  WITH  Snt  PnsAirr  or  IXDB,  AMD  MABB 


TT7ITH  this  Sir  Persant  of  Inde  had  espied  them,  as 

V V    they  hoved  \kovercd\  in  the  field,  and  knightly  he 

sent  to  them  to  know  whether  he  came  in  war  or  in  peace, 


ii6  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  Say  unto  thy  lord,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  I  take  no 
force,1  but  whether  as  him  list 2  himself." 

So  the  messenger  went  again  unto  Sir  Persant,  and 
told  him  all  his  answer. 

"Well,"  said  he,  "then  will  I  have  ado  with  him  to  the 
uttermost;"  and  so  he  purveyed  him  [prepared  himself  ], 
and  rode  against  him.  And  when  Sir  Beaumains  saw  him, 
he  made  him  ready,  and  there  they  met  with  all  the  might 
that  their  horses  might  run,  and  brake  their  spears  either 
in  three  pieces,  and  their  horses  rashed  so  together  that 
both  their  horses  fell  dead  to  the  earth  ;  and  lightly  they 
avoided  their  horses,  and  put  their  shields  before  them, 
and  drew  their  swords,  and  gave  each  other  many  great 
strokes,  that  sometime  they  so  hurled  together  that  they 
fell  both  grovelling  on  the  ground.  Thus  they  fought  two 
hours  and  more,  that  their  shields  and  their  hauberks 
were  all  forhewen  [hewn  to  pieces]  and  in  many  places  they 
were  sore  wounded.  So  at  the  last  Sir  Beaumains  smote 
him  through  the  cost  [rib part]  of  the  body,  and  then  he 
retrayed  him  [drew  back]  here  and  there,  and  knightly 
maintained  his  battle  long  time.  And  at  the  last  Sir 
Beaumains  smote  Sir  Persant  on  the  helm  that  he  fell 
grovelling  to  the  earth,  and  then  he  leaped  overthwart 
[across]  upon  him,  and  unlaced  his  helm  for  to  have  slain 
him.  Then  Sir  Persant  yielded  him,  and  asked  him 
mercy.  With  that  came  the  damsel  and  prayed  him  to 
save  his  life. 

"I  will  well,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "for  it  were  pity  that 
this  noble  knight  should  die." 

"Gramercy,"  said  Sir  Persant,  "gentle  knight  and 
damsel,  for  certainly  now  I  know  well  it  was  you  that  slew 
the  black  knight  my  brother  at  the  blackthorn  ;  he  was  a 

1  "  I  take  no  force,"  I  care  not.    •  "  Him  list,"  he  wishes,  he  please,. 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  117 

full  noble  knight,  his  name  was  Sir  Periard.  Also  I  am 
sure  that  ye  are  he  that  won  mine  other  brother  the  green 
knight:  his  name  was  Sir  Pertolope,  Also  ye  won  the 
red  knight,  my  brother,  Sir  Perimones.  And  now,  sit, 
sith  ye  have  won  these  knights,  this  shall  I  do  for  to  please 
you :  ye  shall  have  homage  and  fealty  of  me,  and  an  hun- 
dred knights  to  be  always  at  your  command,  to  go  ani 
ride  where  ye  will  command  us." 

And  so  they  went  unto  Sir  Persant's  pavilion,  and  there 
he  drank  wine  and  eat  spices.  And  aftenvard  Sir  Per- 
sant  made  him  to  rest  upon  a  bed  till  it  was  supper  time, 
and  after  supper  to  bed  again.  And  so  we  leave  him  there 
till  On  the  morrow. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

How  THE  DAMSEL  AND  BEAUMAINS  CAMS  TO  THE  SIEGE,  AND  CAME  TO 
A  SYCAMORE  TREE,  AND  THERE  BEAUMAINS  BLEW  A  HORN,  AND  THEN 
THE  KNIGHT  OF  THE  RED  LAWNS  CAME  TO  FIGHT  WITH  HIM. 

NOW  leave  we  the  knight  and  the  dwarf,  and  speak  we 
of  Beaumains,  that  all  night  lay  in  the  hermitage, 
and  upon  the  morn  he  and  the  damsel  Linet  heard  their 
uiss,  and  brake  their  fast.  And  then  they  took  their 
horses  and  rode  throughout  a  fair  forest,  and  then  they 
came  to  a  plain,  and  saw  where  were  many  pavilions  and 
tents,  and  a  fair  castle,  and  there  was  much  smoke  and 
great  noise.  And  when  they  came  near  the  siege  Sir 
Beaumains  espied  upon  great  trees,  as  he  rode,  how  there 
hung  full  goodly  armed  knights  by  the  neck,  and  their 
shields  about  their  necks  with  their  swords,  and  gilt  spurs 
upon  their  heels,  and  so  there  hung  shamefully  nigh  forty 


u8  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

knights  with  rich  arms.  Then  Sir  Beaumains  abated  his 
countenance,  and  said,  "  What  thing  meaneth  this  ? " 

"Fair  sir,"  saith  the  damsel,  "abate  not  your  cheer  for 
all  this  sight,  for  ye  must  encourage  yourself,  or  dse  ye 
be  all  shent  [ruined],  for  all  these  knights  came  hithei 
unto  this  siege  to  rescue  my  sister  dame  Lyoness,  and 
when  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns  had  overcome  them, 
he  put  them  to  this  shameful  death,  without  mercy  and 
pity,  and  in  the  same  wise  he  will  serve  you,  but  if  ye  quit 
[acquit]  you  the  better." 

"  Now  Jesu  defend  me,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  from  such 
a  villanous  death  and  shenship  [disgrace]  of  arms !  for 
rather  than  thus  I  should  fare  withal,  I  would  rather  be 
slain  manfully  in  plain  battle." 

"So  were  ye  better,"  said  the  damsel,  "trust  not  in 
him,  for  in  him  is  no  courtesy,  but  all  goeth  to  the  death 
or  shameful  murder,  and  that  is  great  pity,  for  he  is  a  full 
likely  man  and  well  made  of  body,  and  a  full  noble  knight 
of  prowess,  and  a  lord  of  great  lands  and  possessions." 

"  Truly,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  he  may  well  be  a  good 
knight,  but  he  useth  shameful  customs,  and  it  is  great 
marvel  that  he  endureth  so  long,  that  none  of  the  noble 
knights  of  my  lord  King  Arthur's  court  have  not  dealt 
with  him." 

And  then  they  rode  unto  the  ditches,  and  saw  them 
double  ditched  with  full  strong  walls,  and  there  were 
lodged  many  great  estates  and  lords  nigh  the  walls,  and 
there  was  great  noise  of  minstrels,  and  the  sea  beat  upon 
the  one  side  of  the  walls,  where  as  were  many  ships  and 
manners'  noise  with  hale  and  how.1  And  also  there  was 
fast  by  a  sycamore  tree,  and  thereon  hung  an  horn,  the 
greatest  that  ever  they  saw,  of  an  elephant's  bone. 

1  "Hale  and  how,"  haul  and  ho:  the  sailors'  cries  in  hoisting  away,  && 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  119 

"And  this  knight  of  the  red  lawns  hath  hanged  it  up 
there,  that  if  there  come  any  errant  knight,  he  must  blew 
that  horn,  and  then  will  he  make  him  ready,  and  come  to 
him  to  do  battle.  But  sir,  I  pray  you,"  said  the  damsel 
Linet,  "  blow  ye  not  the  horn  till  it  be  high  noon,  for  now 
it  is  about  prime,  and  now  increaseth  his  might,  that,  as 
men  say,  he  hath  seven  men's  strength." 

"  Ah,  fie  for  shame,  fair  damsel,  say  ye  never  so  more 
to  me,  for,  and  he  were  as  good  a  knight  as  ever  was,  I 
shall  never  fail  him  in  his  most  might,  for  either  I  will 
win  worship  worshipfully,  or  die  knightly  in  the  field." 

And  therewith  he  spurred  his  horse  straight  to  the 
sycamore  tree  and  blew  the  horn  so  eagerly  that  all  the 
siege  and  the  castle  rang  thereof.  And  then  there  leaped 
out  knights  out  of  their  tents  and  pavilions,  and  they 
within  the  castle  looked  over  the  walls  and  out  at  win- 
dows. Then  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns  armed  him 
hastily,  and  two  barons  set  on  his  spurs  upon  his  heels, 
and  all  was  blood-red,  his  armor,  spear,  and  shield.  And 
an  earl  buckled  his  helm  upon  his  head,  and  then  they 
brought  him  a  red  spear  and  a  red  steed,  and  so  he  rode 
into  a  little  vale  under  the  castle,  that  all  that  were  in  the 
castle  and  at  the  siege  might  behold  the  battle. 


CHAPTER   XII. 
How  THE  Two  KNIGHTS  MET  TOGETHER,  AND  OF  THEIR  TALKING,  AHB 

HOW  THEY  BEGAN  THEIR  BATTLE. 

SIR,"  said  the  damsel  Linet  unto  Sir  Beaumains,  "look 
ye  be  glad  and  light,  for  yonder  is  your  deadly  enemy, 
and  at  yonder  window  is  my  lady  my  sister,  dame  Lyoness." 


I2O  TJie  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  Where  ? "  said  Beaumains. 

"Yonder,"  said  the  damsel,  and  pointed  with  her  finger 

"  That  is  truth,"  said  Beaumains.  "  She  secmeth  afar 
the  fairest  lady  that  ever  I  looked  upon,  and  truly,"  he 
said,  "  I  ask  no  better  quarrel  than  now  for  to  do  battle, 
for  truly  she  shall  be  my  lady,  and  for  her  I  will  fight." 

And  ever  he  looked  up  to  the  window  with  glad  coun- 
tenance. And  the  lady  Lyoness  made  courtesy  to  him 
down  to  the  earth,  with  holding  up  both  her  hands. 
With  that  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns  called  to 
Sir  Beaumains,  "Leave,  sir  knight,  thy  looking,  and 
behold  me,  I  counsel  thee,  for  I  warn  thee  well  she  is 
my  lady,  and  for  her  I  have  done  many  strong  battles." 

"  If  thou  have  so  done,"  said  Beaumains,  "  meseemeth 
it  was  but  waste  labor,  for  she  loveth  none  of  thy  fellow- 
ship, and  thou  to  love  that  loveth  not  thee,  is  a  great  folly. 
For  if  I  understood  that  she  were  not  glad  of  my  coming, 
I  would  be  advised  or  I  did  battle  for  her,  but  I  understand 
by  the  besieging  of  this  castle  she  may  forbear  thy  com- 
pany. And  therefore  wit  thou  well,  thou  red  knight  of 
the  red  lawns,  I  love  her  and  will  rescue  her,  or  else  die 
in  the  quarrel." 

"Sayst  thou  that  ?"  said  the  red  knight ;  "me  seemeth 
thou  ought  of  reason  to  beware  by  yonder  knights  that 
thou  sawest  hang  upon  yonder  great  elms." 

"  Fie,  fie,  for  shame,"  said  Sir  Beaumains,  "  that  ever 
thou  shouldest  say  or  do  so  evil  and  such  shamefulness, 
for  in  that  thou  shamest  thyself  and  the  order  of  knight- 
hood, and  thou  mayst  be  sure  there  will  no  lady  love  thee 
that  knoweth  thy  detestable  customs.  And  now  thou 
weenest  \thinkesi\  that  the  sight  of  these  hanged  knights 
should  fear  \scare\  me  and  make  me  aghast,  nay  truly  not 
so,  that  shameful  sight  causeth  me  to  have  courage  and 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  121 

hardiness  against  thee,  more  than  I  would  have  had  against 
thee  and  if  thou  be  a  well  ruled  knight" 

"Make  thee  ready,"  said  the  red  knight  of  the  red 
lawns,  "and  talk  no  longer  with  me." 

Then  Sir  Beauraains  bade  the  damsel  go  from  him,  and 
then  they  put  their  spears  in  their  rests,  and  came  together 
with  all  the  might  they  had,  and  either  smote  other  in 
the  midst  of  their  shields,  that  the  paytrels  [breastplates], 
surcingles,  and  cruppers  burst,  and  fell  both  to  the  ground 
with  the  reins  of  their  bridles  in  their  hands,  and  so  they 
lay  a  great  while  sore  astonied,  and  all  they  that  were  in  the 
castle  and  at  the  siege  wend  \tJioughi\  their  necks  had  been 
broken,  and  then  many  a  stranger  and  other  said  that  the 
strange  knight  was  a  big  man  and  a  noble  j ouster,  "for 
or  [ere]  now  we  saw  never  no  knight  match  the  red  knight 
of  the  red  lawns ; "  thus  they  said  both  within  the  castle 
and  without.  Then  they  lightly  avoided  their  horses  and 
put  their  shields  afore  them,  and  drew  their  swords  and 
ran  together  like  two  fierce  lions,  and  either  gave  other 
such  buffets  upon  their  helms  that  they  reeled  both  back- 
ward two  strides ;  and  then  they  recovered  both,  and 
hewed  great  pieces  from  their  harness  and  their  shields 
that  a  great  part  fell  in  the  fields. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
How  AFTE*  Lose  FIGHTING  BEAUMAINS  OVERCAME  THX  KNIGHT,  AND 

WOULD  HAVE  SLAIN    HIM,   EOT    AT    THE    REQUEST    OF    THE    LORDS    HI 
SAVED  HIS   LIFE,   AND   MADE  HIM  TO  YIELD  HIM  TO  THE  LADY. 

AND  then  thus  they  fought  till  it  was  past  noon  and 
never  would  stint  till  at  last  they  lacked  wind  both, 
and   then   they  stood  wagging  and  scattering,  panting, 


122  The  Boy' s  King  Artnur. 

blowing  and  bleeding,  that  all  that  beheld  them  for  the 
most  part  wept  for  pity.  So  when  they  had  rested  them 
a  while  they  went  to  battle  again,  tracing,  racing,  foining 
[feinting],  as  two  boars.  And  at  some  time  they  took 
their  run  as  it  had  been  two  rams,  and  hurtled  together 
that  sometimes  they  fell  grovelling  to  the  earth  ;  and  at 
sometime  they  were  so  amazed  that  either  took  other's 
sword  instead  of  his  own. 

Thus  they  endured  till  even-song  time  [vespers],  that 
there  was  none  that  beheld  them  might  know  whether  was 
like  to  win  the  battle  ;  and  their  armor  was  so  far  hewn 
that  men  might  see  their  naked  sides,  and  in  other  places 
they  were  naked,  but  ever  the  naked  places  they  did  de- 
fend. And  the  red  knight  was  a  wily  knight  of  war,  an$ 
his  wily  fighting  taught  Sir  Beaumains  to  be  wise ;  but 
he  abought  [paid for]  it  full  sore  ere  he  did  espy  his  fight 
ing.  And  thus  by  assent  of  them  both,  they  grantet 
either  other  to  rest ;  and  so  they  set  them  down  upon  twc 
mole-hills  there  beside  the  fighting  place,  and  either  ol 
them  unlaced  his  helm,  and  took  the  cold  wind,  for  either 
of  their  pages  was  fast  by  them,  to  come  when  they  called 
to  unlace  their  harness  and  to  set  it  on  again  at  their 
command.  And  then  when  Sir  Beaumains'  helm  was  off, 
he  looked  up  unto  the  window,  and  there  he  saw  the  fair 
lady  dame  Lyoness.  And  she  made  to  him  such  count e 
nance  that  his  heart  was  light  and  joyful.  And  therewith 
he  started  up  suddenly,  and  bade  the  red  knight  make 
hirr.  ready  to  do  the  battle  to  the  uttermost. 

"  I  will  well,"  said  the  red  knight. 

And  then  they  laced  up  their  helms,  and  their  pages 
avoided  [got  out  of  the  way],  and  they  stepped  together 
and  fought  freshly.  But  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns 
awaited  him,  and  at  an  overthwart  [crosswise]  smote  him 


Of  Sir  Garcth  of  Orkney.  123 

within  the  hand,  that  his  sword  fell  out  ot  his  hand; 
and  yet  he  gave  him  another  buffet  on  the  helm  that  he 
fell  grovelling  to  the  earth,  and  the  red  knight  fell  over 
him  for  to  hold  him  down. 

Then  cried  the  maiden  Linet  on  high,  "O  Sir  Bean- 
mains,  where  is  thy  courage  become !  Alas,  my  lady  my 
sister  beholdeth  thee,  and  she  sobbeth  and  weepeth,  that 
maketh  mine  heart  heavy." 

When  Sir  Beaumains  heard  her  say  so,  he  started  up 
with  a  great  might  and  gat  him  upon  his  feet,  and  lightly 
he  leaped  to  his  sword  and  griped  it  in  his  hand,  and 
doubled  his  pace  unto  the  red  knight,  and  there  they 
fought  a  new  battle  together.  But  Sir  Beaumains  then 
doubled  his  strokes,  and  smote  so  thick  that  he  smote 
the  sword  out  of  his  hand,  and  then  he  smote  him  upon 
the  helm  that  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  Sir  Beaumains  fell 
upon  him,  and  unlaced  his  helm  to  have  slain  him ;  and 
then  he  yielded  him  and  asked  mercy,  and  said  with  a 
loud  voice,  "  O  noble  knight,  I  yield  me  to  thy  mercy." 

Then  Sir  Beaumains  bethought  him  upon  the  knights 
that  he  had  made  to  be  hanged  shamefully,  and  then  he 
said,  "  I  may  not  with  my  worship  save  thy  life,  for  the 
shameful  deaths  thou  hast  caused  many  full  good  i»«^gfct« 
to  die." 

" Sir,"  said  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns,  "hold  your 
hand,  and  ye  shall  know  the  causes  why  I  put  them  to  so 
shameful  a  death." 

"  Say  on,"  said  Sir  Beaumains. 

"Sir,  I  loved  once  a  lady,  a  fair  damsel,  and  she  had 
her  brother  slain,  and  she  said  it  was  Sir  Launcelot  du 
Lake,  or  else  Sir  Gawaine,  and  she  prayed  me  as  that  I 
loved  her  heartily  that  I  would  make  her  a  promise  by 
the  faith  of  my  knighthood  for  to  labor  daily  in  arms 


124  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

until  I  met  with  one  of  them,  and  all  that  I  might  over- 
come I  should  put  them  unto  a  villanous  death ;  and  this 
is  the  cause  that  I  have  put  all  these  knights  to  death, 
and  so  I  ensured  her  to  do  all  the  villany  unto  King 
Arthur's  knights,  and  that  I  should  take  vengeance  upon 
all  these  knights.  And,  sir,  now  I  will  thee  tell  that 
every  day  my  strength  increaseth  till  noon,  and  all  this 
time  have  I  seven  men's  strength." 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

How  THE  KNIGHT  YIELDED  HIM,  AND  HOW  BEAUMATNS  MADE  HIM  TO 
GO  UNTO  KING  ARTHUR'S  COURT,  AND  TO  CRY  SIR  LAUNCELOT  MERCY. 

THEN  came  there  many  earls,  and  barons,  and  noble 
knights,  and  prayed  that  knight  to  save  his  life,  and 
take  him  to  your  prisoner:  and  all  they  fell  upon  their 
knees  and  prayed  him  of  mercy,  and  that  he  would  save 
his  life,  and,  "  Sir,"  they  all  said,  "  it  were  fairer  of  him  to 
take  homage  and  fealty,  and  let  him  hold  his  lands  of  you, 
than  for  to  slay  him  :  by  his  death  ye  shall  have  none 
advantage,  and  his  misdeeds  that  be  done  may  not  be 
undone ;  and  therefore  he  shall  make  amends  to  all 
parties,  and  we  all  will  become  your  men,  and  do  you 
homage  and  fealty." 

"  Fair  lords,"  said  Beaumains,  "  wit  you  well  I  am  full 
loth  to  slay  this  knight,  nevertheless  he  hath  done  passing 
ill  and  shamefully.  But  insomuch  all  that  he  did  was  at  a 
lady's  request,  I  blame  him  the  less,  and  so  for  your  sake 
I  will  release  him,  that  he  shall  have  his  life  upon  this 
covenant,  that  he  go  within  the  castle  and  yield  him 
there  to  the  lady,  and  if  she  will  forgive  and  quit  \acqui f\ 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  125 

him,  I  will  well;  with  this  that  be  make  her  amends  of 
all  the  trespass  he  hath  done  against  her  and  her  lands. 
And  also,  when  that  is  done,  that  ye  go  unto  the  court  of 
King  Arthur,  and  there  that  ye  ask  Sir  Launcelot  mercy, 
and  Sir  Gawaine,  for  the  evil  will  ye  have  had  against 
them." 

"Sir,"  said  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns,  "all  this 
will  I  do  as  ye  command,  and  certain  assurance  and 
sureties  ye  shall  hare." 

And  so  then  when  the  assurance  was  made,  he  made 
his  homage  and  fealty,  and  all  those  earls  and  barons  with 
him.  And  then  the  maiden  Linet  came  to  Sir  Beaumains 
and  unarmed  him,  and  searched  his  wounds,  and  stinted 
his  blood,  and  in  likewise  she  did  to  the  red  knight  of 
the  red  lawns.  And  so  they  sojourned  ten  days  in  their 
tents.  And  the  red  knight  made  his  lords  and  servants 
to  do  all  the  pleasure  that  they  might  unto  Sir  Beaumains. 

And  within  a  while  after,  the  red  knight  of  the  red 
lawns  went  unto  the  castle  and  put  him  in  the  lady 
Lyoness*  grace,  and  so  she  received  him  upon  sufficient 
sureties,  and  all  her  hurts  were  well  restored  of  all  that 
she  could  complain.  And  then  he  departed  and  went 
unto  the  court  of  King  Arthur,  and  there  openly  the  red 
knight  of  the  red  lawns  put  him  in  the  mercy  of  Sir 
Launcelot  and  Sir  Gawaine,  and  there  he  told  openly 
how  he  was  overcome,  and  by  whom,  and  also  he  told  of 
all  the  battles,  from  the  beginning  to  the  ending. 

"Jesus,  mercy,"  said  King  Arthur  and  Sir  Gawaine, 
«*  we  marvel  much  of  what  blood  he  is  come,  for  he  is  a 
full  noble  knight." 

"Have  ye  no  marvel,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  -for  ye  shall 
right  well  wit  that  he  is  come  of  a  full  noble  blood,  and, 
as  for  his  might  and  hardiness,  there  be  but  few  now  living 
that  is  so  mighty  as  he  is  and  so  noble  of  prowess." 


126  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"It  seemeth  by  you,"  said  King  Arthur,  "that  ye  kno\v 
his  name,  and  from  whence  he  is  come,  and  of  what  blood 
he  is." 

"  I  suppose  I  do  so,"  said  Sir  Launceiot,  "  or  else  I 
would  not  have  given  him  the  order  of  knighthood ;  but 
he  gave  me  at  that  time  such  charge  that  I  should  never 
discover  him  until  he  required  me,  or  else  it  be  known 
openly  by  some  other." 

Now  return  we  unto  Sir  Beaumains,  which  desired  of 
the  damsel  Linet  that  he  might  see  her  sister  his  lady. 

"  Sir,"  said  she,  "  I  would  fain  ye  saw  her." 

Then  Sir  Beaumains  armed  him  at  all  points,  and  tock 
his  horse  and  his  spear,  and  rode  straight  to  the  castle. 
And  when  he  came  to  the  gate,  he  found  there  many 
men. armed,  that  pulled  up  the  drawbridge  and  drew  the 
port  close.  Then  marvelled  he  why  they  would  not  suffer 
him  to  enter  in.  And  then  he  looked  up  to  the  window, 
and  there  he  saw  the  fair  lady  dame  Lyoness,  that  said 
on  high :  "  Go  thy  way,  Sir  Beaumains,  for  as  yet  thou 
shalt  not  wholly  have  my  love,  until  the  time  thou  be 
called  one  of  the  number  of  the  worthy  knights  ;  and 
therefore  go  and  labor  in  arms  worshipfully  these  twelve 
months,  and  then  ye  shall  hear  new  tidings ;  and  perd£ 
[per  dieti,  truly]  a  twelvemonth  will  be  soon  gone,  and 
trust  you  me,  fair  knight,  I  shall  be  true  unto  you,  and 
shall  never  betray  you,  but  unto  my  death  I  shall  love 
you  and  none  other." 

And  therewithal  she  turned  her  from  the  window.  And 
Sir  Beaumains  rode  away  from  the  castle  in  making  great 
moan  and  sorrow ;  and  so  he  rode  here  and  there,  and 
wist  not  whither  he  rode,  till  it  was  dark  night ;  and  then 
it  happened  him  to  come  to  a  poor  man's  house,  and  there 
he  was  harbored  all  that  night.  But  Sir  Beaumains  could 


Of  Sir  Garetk  of  Orkney.  127 

have  no  rest,  but  wallowed  and  writhed  for  the  love  of  the 
lady  of  the  castle.  And  so  on  the  morrow  he  took  his 
horse  and  his  armor,  and  rode  till  it  was  noon  ;  and  then 
he  came  unto  a  broad  water,  and  thereby  was  a  great  lodge, 
and  there  he  alighted  to  sleep,  and  laid  his  head  upon  his 
shield,  and  betook  his  horse  to  the  dwarf,  and  commanded 
him  to  watch  all  night. 

Now  turn  we  to  the  lady  of  the  castle,  that  thought 
much  upon  Sir  Beaumains  ;  and  then  she  called  unto  her 
Sir  Gringamor  her  brother,  and  prayed  him  in  all  manner, 
as  he  loved  her  heartily,  that  he  would  ride  after  Sir  Beau- 
mains,  "and  ever  have  him  in  a  wait  [look  after  kim\  till 
that  ye  may  find  him  sleeping,  for  I  am  sure  in  his  heavi- 
ness he  will  alight  down  in  some  place  and  lie  down  to 
sleep,  and  therefore  have  your  watch  upon  him,  and,  in 
the  priviest  wise  {softest  war}  that  ye  can,  take  his  dwarf 
from  him,  and  go  your  way  with  him  as  fast  as  ever  ye 
may  or  Sir  Beaumains  awake;  for  my  sister  Linet  hath 
showed  me  that  the  dwarf  can  tell  of  what  kindred  he  is 
come,  and  what  his  right  name  is  ;  and  in  the  meanwhile 
I  and  my  sister  will  ride  to  your  castle  to  await  when  ye 
shall  bring  with  you  this  dwarf,  and  then  when  ye  have 
brought  him  to  your  rastte,  I  will  have  him  in  examination 
myself  ;  unto  the  time  I  know  what  his  right  name  is,  and 
of  what  kindred  he  is  come,  shall  I  never  be  merry  at  my 


"Sister,"  said  Sir  Gringamor,  "all  this  shall  be  done 
after  your  intent."  And  so  he  rode  all  the  other  day  and 
the  night  tin  that  he  found  Sir  Beaumains  lying  by  a 
water,  and  his  head  upon  his  shield,  for  to  sleep.  And 
then  when  he  saw  Sir  Beaumains  fast  on  sleep,  he  came 
stilly  stalking  behind  the  dwarf,  and  plucked  him  fast 
jnder  his  arm,  and  so  he  rode  away  with  him  as  fast  as 


128  The  Boys  King  Arthur. 

ever  he  might  unto  his  own  castle.  But  ever  as  he  rode 
with  the  dwarf  toward  his  castle,  he  cried  unto  his  lord 
and  prayed  him  of  help.  And  therewith  awoke  Sir  Beau- 
mains,  and  up  he  leaped  lightly,  and  saw  where  Sir  Grin- 
gamor  rode  his  way  with  the  dwarf,  and  so  Sir  Gringamor 
rode  out  of  his  sight. 


CHAPTER   XV. 

How  SIR  GARETH,  OTHERWISE  CALLED  BEAUMAINS,  CAME  TO  THE  PRKS- 
ENCE  OF  HIS  LADY,  AND  HOW  THEY  TOOK  ACQUAINTANCE,  AND  OP 
THEIR  LOVE. 

THEN  Sir  Beaumains  put  on  his  helm  anon,  and 
buckled  his  shield,  and  took  his  horse  and  rode  after 
him  all  that  ever  he  might  ride,  through  marshes  and  fields 
and  great  dales,  that  many  times  his  horse  and  he  plunged 
over  the  head  in  deep  mires,  for  he  knew  not  the  way,  but 
he  took  the  next  [nearest]  way  in  that  woodness  [madness} 
that  many  times  he  was  like  to  perish.  [And  so  he  came 
following  his  dwarf  to  Sir  Gringamor's  castle.  But  afore- 
time the  lady  Lyoness  had  come  and  had  the  dwarf  in 
examination ;  and  the  dwarf  had  told  the  lady  how  that 
Sir  Beaumains  was  the  son  of  a  king,  and  how  his  mother 
was  sister  to '  King  Arthur,  and  how  his  right  name  was 
Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.] 

And  as  they  sat  thus  talking,  there  came  Sir  Beaumains 
at  the  gate  with  an  angry  countenance,  and  his  sword 
drawn  in  his  hand,  and  cried  aloud  that  all  the  castle 
might  hear  it,  saying,  "Thou  traitor,  Sir  Gringamor, 
deliver  me  my  dwarf  again,  or  by  the  faith  that  I  owe  to 
the  order  of  knighthood,  I  shall  do  thee  all  the  harm  that 
I  can." 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  129 

Then  Sir  Gringamor  looked  out  at  a  window,  and  said, 
"  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney,  leave  thy  boasting  words,  for 
thou  gettest  not  thy  dwarf  again." 

"Thou  coward  knight,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "bring  him 
with  thee,  and  come  and  do  battle  with  me,  and  win  him, 
and  take  him." 

"So  will  I  do,"  said  Sir  Gringamor,  "and  me  list  [if  it 
please  me\  but  for  all  thy  great  words  thou  gettest  him 
not." 

"Ah,  fair  brother,"  said  dame  Lyoness,  "I  would  he 
had  his  dwarf  again,  for  I  would  not  he  were  wroth,  for 
now  he  hath  told  me  all  my  desire  I  will  no  longer  keep 
the  dwarf.  And  also,  brother,  he  hath  done  much  for  me, 
and  delivered  me  from  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns, 
and  therefore,  brother,  I  owe  him  my  service  afore  all 
knights  living ;  and  wit  ye  well  I  love  him  above  all  other 
knights,  and  full  fain  would  I  speak  with  him,  but  in  no 
wise  I  would  he  wist  what  I  were,  but  that  I  were  another 
strange  lady." 

"Well,"  said  Sir  Gringamor,  "sith  [since]  that  I  know 
your  will,  I  will  now  obey  unto  him." 

And  therewithal  he  went  down  unto  Sir  Gareth,  and 
said,  "  Sir,  I  cry  you  mercy,  and  all  that  I  have  misdone 
against  your  person  I  will  amend  it  at  your  own  will,  and 
therefore  I  pray  you  that  you  will  alight,  and  take  such 
cheer  as  I  can  make  you  here  in  this  castle." 

"  Shall  I  then  have  my  dwarf  again  ?  "  said  Sir  Gareth. 

"  Yea,  sir,  and  all  the  pleasure  that  I  can  make  you,  for 
as  soon  as  your  dwarf  told  me  what  ye  were  and  of  what 
blood  that  ye  are  come,  and  what  noble  deeds  ye  have 
done  in  these  marches  [borders],  then  I  repent  me  of 
my  deeds." 

And  then  Sir  Gareth  alighted  down  from  his  horse, 
and  therewith  came  his  dwart  and  took  his  horse. 


130  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

"  O  my  fellow,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "  IJiave  had  many  evil 
adventures  for  thy  sake." 

And  so  Sir  Gringamor  took  him  by  the  hand,  and  led 
him  into  the  hall,  and  there  was  Sir  Gringamor's  wife. 

And  then  there  came  forth  into  the  hall  dame  Lyoness 
arrayed  like  a  princess,  and  there  she  made  him  passing 
good  cheer,  and  he  her  again.  And  they  had  goodly 
language  and  lovely  countenance  together.  And  Sir 
Gareth  many  times  thought  in  himself,  "Would  to  God 
that  the  lady  of  the  Castle  Perilous  were  so  fair  as  she 
is  ! "  There  were  all  manner  of  games  and  plays,  both  of 
dancing  and  leaping ;  and  ever  the  more  Sir  Gareth  beheld 
the  lady,  the  more  he  loved  her,  and  so  he  burned  in  love 
that  he  was  past  himself  in  his  understanding.  And  forth 
toward  night  they  went  to  supper,  and  Sir  Gareth  might 
not  eat,  for  his  love  was  so  hot  that  he  wist  not  where  he 
was.  All  these  looks  Sir  Gringamor  espied,  and  after 
supper  he  called  his  sister  dame  Lyoness  unto  a  chamber, 
and  said :  "  Fair  sister,  I  have  well  espied  your  countenance 
between  you  and  this  knight,  and  I  will,  sister,  that  ye  wit 
that  he  is  a  full  noble  knight,  and  if  ye  can  make  him  to 
abide  here,  I  will  do  to  him  all  the  pleasure  that  I  can,  for 
and  ye  were  better  than  ye  be,  ye  were  well  bestowed  upon 
him." 

"  Fair  brother,"  said  dame  Lyoness,  "  I  understand  well 
that  the  knight  is  good,  and  come  he  is  of  a  noble  house ; 
notwithstanding  I  will  assay  him  better,  for  he  hath  had 
great  labor  for  my  love,  and  hath  passed  many  a  dangerous 
passage." 

Right  so  Sir  Gringamor  went  unto  Sir  Gareth,  and 
said :  "  Sir,  make  ye  good  cheer  ;  for  wist  [know]  ye  well 
that  she  loveth  you  as  well  as  ye  do  her,  and  better  if 
better  may  be." 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  131 

"  And  I  wist  thal^aid  Sir  Gareth,  "  there  lived  not  a 
gladder  man  than  I  would  be," 

"  Upon  my  worship,"  said  Sir  Gringamor,  "  trust  unto 
my  promise ;  and  as  long  as  it  liketh  you  ye  shall  sojourn 
with  me,  and  this  lady  shall  be  with  us  daily  and  nightly 
to  make  you  all  the  cheer  that  she  can." 

"  I  will  well,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "  for  I  have  promised  to 
be  nigh  this  country  this  twelvemonth.  And  well  I  am 
sure  King  Arthur  and  other  noble  knights  will  find  me 
where  that  I  am  within  this  twelvemonth.  For  I  shall  be 
sought  and  found,  if  that  I  be  on  live." 

And  then  the  noble  knight  Sir  Gareth  went  unto  the 
dame  Lyoness,  which  he  then  much  loved,  and  kissed  her 
many  times,  and  either  made  great  joy  of  other.  And 
there  she  promised  him  her  love,  certainly  to  love  him 
and  none  other  the  days  of  her  life.  Then  this  lady,  dame 
Lyoness,  by  the  assent  of  her  brother,  told  Sir  Gareth  all 
the  truth  what  she  was,  and  how  she  was  the  same  lady 
that  he  did  battle  for,  and  how  she  was  lady  of  the  Castle 
Perilous.  And  there  she  told  him  how  she  caused  her 
brother  to  take  away  his  dwarf,  "  For  this  cause,  to  know 
the  certainty  what  was  your  name,  and  of  what  kin  ye 
were  come." 

And  then  she  let  fetch  before  him  Linet  the  damsel, 
which  had  ridden  with  him  many  dreary  ways.  Then  was 
Sir  Gareth  more  gladder  than  he  was  tofore.  And  then 
they  troth  plight f  each  other  to  love,  and  never  to  fail 
while  their  life  lasted. 

«« Troth," frw**, and" plight," W*K:  " troth  plight," •vwtforfrwfii <***/» 


132  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

How  AT  THE  FEAST  OF  PENTECOST  ALL  THE  KNIGHTS  THAT  SIR  GARETH 

HAD   OVERCOME  CAME  AND  YIELDED  THEM  UNTO   KlNG  ARTHUR. 

NOW  leave  we  off  Sir  Gareth  there  with  Sir  Gringamor 
and  his  sisters,  and  return  we  unto  King  Arthur,  that 
at  the  next  feast  of  Pentecost  held  his  feast,  and  there 
came  the  green  knight  with  fifty  knights,  and  they  all 
yielded  them  unto  King  Arthur.  And  after  there  came 
the  red  knight  his  brother,  and  yielded  him  to  King 
Arthur,  and  threescore  knights  with  him.  Also  there 
came  the  blue  knight,  that  was  brother  unto  the  other 
two,  with  an  hundred  knights,  and  they  all  yielded  them 
unto  King  Arthur.  The  green  knight's  name  was  Sir 
Pertolope,  and  the  red  knight's  name  was  Sir  Perimones, 
and  the  blue  knight's  name  was  Sir  Persant  of  Inde. 
These  three  brethren  told  King  Arthur  how  they  were 
overcome  by  a  knight  that  a  damsel  had  with  her,  and 
called  him  Sir  Beaumains.  Said  the  king,  "  I  marvel  what 
knight  he  is,  and  of  what  lineage  he  is  come  ;  he  was  with 
me  a  twelvemonth,  and  poorly '  and  shamefully  he  was 
fostered,  and  Sir  Kay  in  scorn  named  him  Beaumains." 

Right  as  King  Arthur  stood  so  talking  with  these  three 
brethren,  there  came  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  told  the 
king  that  there  was  come  a  goodly  lord  with  five  hundred 
knights.  Then  the  king  went  out  of  Carleon,  for  there 
was  the  feast,  and  there  came  to  him  this  lord,  which 
saluted  the  king  in  a  good  manner. 

"  What  is  your  will  ? "  said  King  Arthur,  "  arid  what  is 
your  errand  ? " 

"  Sir,"  said  he,  "  I  am  called  the  red  knight  of  the  red 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  133 

lawns,  but  my  name  is  Sir  Ironside ;  and,  sir,  ye  shall  wit 
that  here  I  am  sent  to  you  of  a  knight  which  is  called  Sir 
Beaumains,  for  he  won  me  in  plain  battle,  hand  for  hand, 
and  so  did  never  no  knight  but  he  this  thirty  winters,  and 
he  charged  and  commanded  me  to  yield  me  unto  your 
grace  and  wilL" 

"Ye  are  welcome,"  said  the  king,  "for  ye  have  been 
long  a  great  foe  to  me  and  to  my  court,  and  now  I  trust 
to  God  I  shall  so  entreat  you  that  ye  shall  be  my  friend." 

"  Sir,  both  I  and  these  five  hundred  knights  shall  alway 
be  at  your  command,  to  do  you  service  as  much  as  lieth  in 
our  power." 

"  Mercy ! "  said  King  Arthur,  "  I  am  much  beholding 
[obliged]  unto  that  knight,  that  hath  so  put  his  body  in 
devoir  to  worship  *  me  and  my  court.  Ironside,  that  art 
called  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns,  thou  art  called  a 
precious  knight ;  if  thou  wilt  hold  of  me  I  shall  worship * 
thee  and  make  thee  knight  of  the  Round  Table,  but  then 
thou  must  be  no  more  a  murderer." 

"  Sir,  as  to  that  I  have  promised  unto  Sir  Beaumains 
never  more  to  use  such  customs,  for  all  the  shameful 
customs  that  I  used  I  did  at  the  request  of  a  lady  that  I 
loved ;  and  therefore  I  must  go  unto  Sir  Launcelot,  and 
unto  Sir  Gawaine,  and  ask  them  forgiveness  of  the  evil 
will  I  had  unto  them,  for  all  that  I  put  to  death  was  all 
only  for  the  love  of  Sir  Launcelot  and  Sir  Gawaine." 

"They  be  here  now,"  said  the  king,  "afore  thee,  now 
may  ye  say  to  them  what  ye  wflL" 

And  then  he  kneeled  down  unto  Sir  Launcelot  and 
to  Sir  Gawaine,  and  prayed  them  of  forgiveness  of  his 
enmity  that  ever  he  had  against  them. 

1 «  Worship" is  a  contraction  of  wcrtk-sJuf.  meaning  worthiness,  "To 
worship  me  and  my  court,"  in  King  Arthurs  pnrase,  means  to  mate  me  9*4 
my  court  of  more  vo*f*-tki*,  er  txerm,  among  men. 


134  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

Then  goodly  they  said  all  at  once,  "  God  forgive  you, 
and  we  do,  and  pray  you  that  ye  will  tell  us  where  we  may 
find  Sir  Beaumains." 

"  Fair  lords,"  said  Sir  Ironside,  "  I  cannot  tell  you,  for  it 
is  full  hard  to  find  him,  for  all  such  young  knights  as  he  is 
one,  when  they  be  in  their  adventures  be  never  abiding  in 
one  place."  But  to  say  the  worship  that  the  red  knight 
of  the  red  lawns  and  Sir  Persant  and  his  brothers  said  of 
Beaumains  it  was  marvel  to  hear. 

"Well,  my  fair  lords,"  said  King  Arthur,  "wit  you  well 
I  shall  do  you  honor  for  the  love  of  Sir  Beaumains,  and  as 
soon  as  ever  I  meet  with  him  I  shall  make  you  all  upon 
one  day  knights  of  the  Table  Round.  And  as  to  thee,  Sir 
Persant  of  Inde,  thou  hast  ever  been  called  a  full  noble 
knight,  and  so  have  ever  been  thy  three  brethren  called. 
But  I  marvel,"  said  the  king,  "that  I  hear  not  of  the 
black  knight  your  brother,  he  was  a  full  noble  knight." 

"  Sir,"  said  Pertolope  the  green  knight,  "  Sir  Beaumains 
slew  him  in  a  rencounter  with  his  spear,  his  name  was  Sir 
Pereard." 

"That  was  great  pity,"  said  the  king,  and  so  said  many 
knights  moe  [more].  For  these  four  brethren  were  full 
well  known  in  the  court  of  King  Arthur  for  noble  knights, 
for  long  time  they  had  holden  war  against  the  knights  of 
the  Table  Round.  Then  said  Pertolope  the  green  knight 
unto  the  king:  "At  a  passage  of  the  water  of  Mortaise 
there  encountered  Sir  Beaumains  with  two  brethren  that 
ever  for  the  most  part  kept  that  passage,  and  they  were 
two  deadly  knights,  and  there  he  slew  the  eldest  brother  in 
the  water,  and  smote  him  upon  the  head  such  a  buffet  that 
he  fell  down  in  the  water  and  there  he  was  drowned,  and 
his  name  was  Gherard  le  Breusse :  and  after  he  slew  the 
other  brother  upon  the  land,  and  his  name  was  Sir  Arnold 
le  Breusse." 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  135 


CHAPTER  XVIL 

HOW  THE  QtTKEH  OF  OZKXEY  CAME  TO  THIS  FEAST  OF  PEXTKCOST,  AXE 
BQDIEED  OF  HEX  SOX  SlK  GAEETH. 

SO  then  the  king  and  they  went  to  meat,  and  were 
served  in  the  best  manner.  And  as  they  sat  at  the 
meat,  there  came  in  the  Queen  of  Orkney,  with  a  great 
number  of  ladies  and  knights.  And  then  Sir  Gawaine 
and  Sir  Agravaine  and  Sir  Gaheris  arose  and  went  to  her, 
and  saluted  her  upon  then*  knees,  and  asked  her  blessing, 
for  in  the  space  of  fifteen  years  they  had  not  seen  her. 
Then  she  spake  on  high  to  her  brother  King  Arthur, 
^"Where  have  ye  done  my  young  son  Sir  Gareth?  He 
was  here  among  you  a  twelvemonth,  and  ye  made  a  kitchen 
knave  of  him,  which  is  a  great  shame  to  you  all  Alas ! 
where  have  ye  done  my  dear  son  which  was  my  joy  and 
bliss?" 

"Oh,  dear  mother,"  said  Sir  Gawaine,  "I  knew  him 
not." 

"Nor  V  said  the  king,  "which  me  now  sore  repenteth, 
out  God  be  thanked  he  is  proved  a  worshipful  knight 
as  any  is  now  living  of  his  years,  and  I  shall  never  be 
glad  till  I  may  find  him." 

"Ah,  brother,"  said  the  Queen  of  Orkney  to  King 
Arthur,  and  to  Sir  Gawaine,  and  to  her  other  two  sons, 
"ye  did  yourself  a  great  shame  when  ye  among  you  kept 
my  son  Gareth  in  the  kitchen  and  fed  him  like  a  poor 
hog." 

"Fan-  sister,"  said  King  Arthur,  "ye  shall  right  well 
wit  that  I  knew  him  not,  no  more  did  Sir  Gawaine  nor  his 
brethren.  But  sith  [since]  it  is  so,"  said  the  king,  "that 


136  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

he  is  thus  gone  from  us  all,  we  must  seek  a  remedy  to  find 
him.  Also,  sister,  me  seemeth  ye  might  have  done  me  to 
wit r  of  his  coming,  and  then  if  I  had  not  done  well  to  him, 
ye  might  have  blamed  me.  For  when  he  came  to  this 
court,  he  came  leaning  upon  two  men's  shoulders,  as 
though  he  might  not  have  gone ;  and  then  he  asked  me 
three  gifts,  and  one  he  asked  that  same  day,  that  was, 
that  I  would  give  him  meat  enough  for  twelve  months. 
And  the  other  two  gifts  he  asked  that  same  day  twelve 
months  after,  and  that  was  that  he  might  have  the  adven- 
ture of  the  damsel  Linet ;  and  the  third  was,  that  Sir 
Launcelot  should  make  him  knight  when  he  desired  him ; 
and  so  I  granted  him  all  his  desire.  And  many  in  this 
court  marvelled  that  he  desired  his  sustenance  for  twelve 
months,  and  therefore  we  deemed  many  of  us  that  he  was 
not  come  of  a  noble  house." 

"  Sir,"  said  the  Queen  of  Orkney  to  her  brother  King 
Arthur,  "  wit  you  well  that  I  sent  him  unto  you  right  well 
armed  and  horsed,  and  worshipfully  beseen  of  his  body, 
and  gold  and  silver  plenty  to  spend." 

"It  may  be,"  said  the  king,  "but  thereof  saw  we  none, 
save  that  same  day  as  he  departed  from  us,  knights  told 
me  that  there  came  a  dwarf  hither  suddenly,  and  brought 
him  armor  and  a  good  horse,  full  well  and  richly  beseen, 
and  thereat  we  had  all  marvel  from  whence  that  riches 
came,  that  we  deemed  all  that  he  was  come  of  men  of 
worship." 

"Brother,"  said  the  queen,  "all  that  ye  say  I  believe, 
for  ever  since  he  was  grown  he  was  marvellously  witted  : 
and  ever  he  was  faithful  and  true  of  his  promise.  But  I 
marvel,"  said  she,  "that  Sir  Kay  did  mock  him  and  scorn 
him,  and  gave  him  that  name  Beaumains ;  yet  Sir  Kay 

1  "  Done  me  to  wit."  let  me  know. 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  137 

him  more  righteously  than  he  wend;  for  I  dare 
say,  and  he  be  on  live,  he  is  as  fair  an  handed  man  and 
well  disposed  as  any  is  living." 

"Sister,"  said  King  Arthur,  "let  this  language  be  still, 
and  by  the  grace  of  God  he  shall  be  found  and  he  be  within 
these  seven  realms ;  and  let  all  this  pass,  and  be  merry, 
for  he  is  proved  to  be  a  man  of  worship,  and  that  is  to  me 
great  joy." 


CHAPTER    XVIIL 

How  KING  ARTHUR  SECT  FOR  THK  LADY  LYOMESS,  AND  HOW  Snt 
GARETH  ACKNOWLEDGED  THAT  THEY  LOVED  EACH  OTHER  TO  KING 
ARTHUR,  AMD  or  THE  DAY  or  THEIR  WEDDING. 

"  I  "HEN  said  Sir  Gawaine  and  his  brethren  unto  King 
-*-  Arthur :  "  Sir,  and  ye  will  give  us  leave,  we  will  go 
seek  our  brother." 

"Nay,"  said  Sir  Launcelot,  "that  shall  not  need,"  and 
so  said  Sir  Bawdewine  of  Britain,  "  for  as  by  our  advice 
the  king  shall  send  unto  dame  Lyoness  a  messenger,  and 
pray  her  that  she  will  come  to  the  king's  court  in  all 
the  haste  that  she  may,  and  I  doubt  not  but  that  she  will 
come,  and  then  she  may  give  you  the  best  counsel  where 
as  ye  shall  find  him." 

"This  is  well  said  of  you,"  quoth  King  Arthur. 

So  then  goodly  letters  were  made,  and  in  all  haste  a 
messenger  was  sent  forth,  that  rode  both  night  and  day 
till  he  came  to  the  Castle  Perilous.  And  then  the  lady 
dame  Lyoness  was  sent  for  there  as  she  was  with  Sir 
Gringamor  her  brother  and  Sir  Gareth.  And  when  she 
understood  this  message,  she  bade  the  messenger  to  ride 
on  his  way  unto  King  Arthur,  and  she  would  come  after 


138  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

in  all  the  haste  possible.  Then  when  she  came  to  Sir 
Gringamor  and  Sir  Gareth,  she  told  them  all  how  King 
Arthur  had  sent  for  her. 

[And  then  was  let  cry  a  tournament  at  the  Castle 
Perilous  at  the  feast  of  Assumption  Day  next  coming. 
And  on  that  day  came  knights  from  England,  Wales  and 
Scotland,  Ireland  and  Cornwall,  and  from  the  out  isles, 
and  from  Britain  and  many  other  countries,  and  tourneyed 
with  great  honor  and  pleasure.  And  when  they  were  all 
healed  of  their  wounds,  and  King  Arthur  was  returned  to 
his  court,  then  dame  Lyoness  made  herself  ready  as  lightly 
as  she  might,  and]  came  on  the  morrow  with  her  brother 
Sir  Gringamor,  and  with  her  forty  knights.  And  when 
she  was  come,  she  had  all  the  cheer  that  might  be  done, 
both  of  King  Arthur  and  of  many  other  kings  and 
queens. 

Among  all  these  ladies  was  she  named  the  fairest  and 
peerless.  Then  when  Sir  Gareth  saw  her,  there  were 
many  goodly  looks  and  goodly  words,  that  all  men  of 
worship  had  joy  to  behold  them.  Then  came  King 
Arthur  and  many  other  kings,  and  Queen  Guenever  and 
the  Queen  of  Orkney;  and  there  the  king  asked  his 
nephew  Sir  Gareth  whether  he  would  have  the  lady  to 
his  wife. 

"  My  lord,  wit  you  well  that  I  love  her  above  all  ladies 
living." 

"Now,  fair  lady,"  said  King  Arthur  unto  her,  "what 
say  ye?" 

"Most  noble  king,"  said  dame  Lyoness,  "wit  you  well 
that  my  lord  Sir  Gareth  is  to  me  more  liever  [comparative 
of  lief}  to  have  and  weld  [possess]  as  my  husband,  than 
any  king  or  prince  christened,  and  if  I  may  not  have  him, 
I  promise  you  I  will  never  have  none.  For,  my  lord  King 


Of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  139 

Arthur,"  said  dame  Lyoness,  "wit  ye  well  he  is  my  first 
love,  and  he  shall  be  the  last,  and  if  ye  will  suffer  him  to 
have  his  will  and  free  choice,  I  dare  say  he  will  have  me." 

"That  is  truth,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "and  I  have  not  you 
and  weld  you  as  my  wife,  there  shall  never  lady  nor  gentle- 
woman rejoice  me." 

"What,  nephew,"  said  the  king,  "is  the  wind  in  that 
door  ?  for  wit  ye  well  I  would  not  for  the  stint  [loss]  of 
my  crown  to  be  causer  to  withdraw  your  hearts,  and  I  wit 
ye  well  ye  cannot  love  so  well  but  I  shall  rather  increase 
it  than  distress.  Also  ye  shall  have  my  love  and  my 
lordship  in  the  uttermost  wise  that  may  lie  in  my  power." 

And  the  same  wise  said  Sir  Gareth's  mother.  Then 
was  there  made  a  provision  for  the  day  of  marriage,  and 
by  the  king's  advice  it  was  provided  that  it  should  be  at 
Michaelmas  following,  at  King-Kenadon  by  the  seaside,  for 
there  is  a  plentiful  country.  And  so  it  was  cried  in  all 
the  places  through  the  realm.  And  then  Sir  Gareth  sent 
nis  summons  unto  all  these  knights  and  ladies  that  he 
nad  won  in  battle  afore,  that  they  should  be  at  his  day  of 
marriage  at  King-Kenadon  by  the  sands.  And  then  dame 
Lyoness  and  the  damsel  Linet,  with  Sir  Gringamor,  rode 
to  their  castle,  and  a  goodly  and  a  rich  ring  she  gave  to 
Sir  Gareth,  and  he  gave  her  another.  And  King  Arthur 
gave  her  a  rich  [bracelet]  of  gold,  and  so  she  departed. 
And  King  Arthur  and  his  fellowship  rode  toward  King- 
Kenadon,  and  Sir  Gareth  brought  his  lady  on  the  way,  and 
so  came  to  the  king  again  and  rode  with  him.  Oh,  the 
great  cheer  that  Sir  Launcelot  made  of  Sir  Gareth  and  he 
of  him ;  for  there  was  never  no  knight  that  Sir  Gareth  loved 
so  well  as  he  did  Sir  Launcelot,  and  ever  for  the  most 
part  he  would  be  in  Sir  Launcelot's  company ;  for  after 
Sir  Gareth  had  espied  Sir  Gawaine's  conditions,  he  with- 


140  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

drew  himself  from  his  brother  Sir  Gawaine's  fellowship, 
for  he  was  vengeable  and  unmerciful,  and  whereas  [wher- 
ever] he  hated  he  would  be  avenged  with  murder  and 
treason,  and  that  hated  Sir  Gareth. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

OF  THE  GREAT  ROYALTY  AND  WHAT  OFFICERS  WERE  MADE  AT  THB 
FEAST  OF  SIR  GARETH  AND  DAME  LYONESS'  WEDDING,  AND  OF  THK 
GREAT  JOUSTING  AT  THE  SAME  FEAST  AND  WEDDING. 

SO  it  drew  fast  to  Michaelmas,  and  thither  came  aame 
Lyoness  and  her  sister  dame  Linet,  with  Sir  Gringa- 
mor  their  brother  with  them,  for  he  had  the  guiding  of 
those  ladies.  And  there  they  were  lodged  at  the  devise 
of  King  Arthur.  And  on  Michaelmas  Day  the  archbishop 
of  Canterbury  made  the  wedding  between  Sir  Gareth  and 
the  lady  Lyoness  with  great  solemnity.  And  King 
Arthur  made  Sir  Gaheris  to  wed  the  damsel  savage  that 
was  dame  Linet.  And  King  Arthur  made  Sir  Agravaine 
to  wed  dame  Lyoness'  niece,  a  fair  lady,  her  name  was 
dame  Laurel.  And  so  when  this  solemnization  was  done, 
then  there  came  in  the  green  knight  that  hight  [was 
named}  Sir  Pertolope,  with  thirty  knights,  and  there  he 
did  homage  and  fealty  unto  Sir  Gareth,  and  these  knights 
to  hold  of  him  for  evermore.  Also  Sir  Pertolope  said,  "  1 
pray  you  that  at  this  feast  I  may  be  your  chamberlain." 

"  With  a  good  will,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "  sith  it  liketh  you 
to  take  so  simple  an  office." 

Then  came  in  the  red  knight,  with  threescore  knights 
with  him,  and  did  to  Sir  Gareth  homage  and  fealty,  and 
all  those  knights  to  hold  of  him  for  evermore,  and  then 


O/  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.  141 

Sir  Perimones  prayed  Sir  Gareth  to  grant  him  for  to  be 
his  chief  butler  at  that  high  feast. 

"  I  will  well,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "that  ye  have  this  office, 
and  it  were  better." 

Then  came  in  Sir  Persant  of  Inde,  with  an  hundred 
knights  with  him,  and  there  he  did  homage  and  fealty 
unto  Sir  Gareth,  and  all  his  knights  should  do  him  service 
and  hold  their  lands  of  him  for  evermore,  and  then  he 
prayed  Sir  Gareth  to  make  him  the  chief  sewer »  at  the 
feast. 

"I  will  well,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "that  ye  have  it,  and  it 
were  better." 

Then  came  in  the  Duke  de  la  Rowse  with  an  hundred 
knights  with  him,  and  there  he  did  homage  and  fealty 
unto  Sir  Gareth,  and  so  to  hold  their  lands  of  him  for- 
ever ;  and  he  required  Sir  Gareth  that  he  might  serve  him 
of  the  wine  that  day  at  the  feast. 

"I  will  well,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "and  it  were  better." 

Then  came  in  the  red  knight  of  the  red  lawns,  that 
was  Sir  Ironside,  and  he  brought  with  him  three  hundred 
knights,  and  there  he  did  homage  and  fealty,  and  all  these 
knights  to  hold  their  lands  of  him  forever,  and  then  he 
asked  Sir  Gareth  to  be  his  carver. 

"I  will  well,"  said  Sir  Gareth,  "and  it  please  you." 

Then  came  into  the  court  thirty  ladies,  and  all  they 
seemed  widows,  and  those  thirty  ladies  brought  with  them 
many  fair  gentlewomen ;  and  all  they  kneeled  down  at 
once  unto  King  Arthur  and  to  Sir  Gareth,  and  there  all 
those  ladies  told  the  king  how  Sir  Gareth  had  delivered 
them  from  the  Dolorous  Tower,  and  slew  the  brown  knight 
without  pity ;  "  and  therefore  we  and  our  heirs  for  ever- 
more will  do  homage  unto  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney." 

1  "  Sewer:"  the  sewer  saw  the  dishes  set  on  the  table,  and  tasted  them, 
against  harm  to  the  master. 


142  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

So  then  the  kings  and  queens,  princes,  earls  and  barons, 
and  many  bold  knights,  went  unto  meat,  and  well  may  ye 
wit  that  there  was  all  manner  of  meat  plenteously,  all  man- 
ner revels  and  games,  with  all  manner  of  minstrelsy  that 
was  used  in  those  days.  Also  there  was  great  jousts  three 
days.  But  the  king  would  not  suffer  Sir  Gareth  to  joust 
because  of  his  new  bride;  for  the  French  book  saith 
that  dame  Lyoness  desired  the  king  that  none  that  were 
wedded  should  joust  at  that  feast.  So  the  first  day  there 
jousted  Sir  Lamorak  de  Galis,  for  he  overthrew  thirty 
knights,  and  did  passing  marvellous  deeds  of  arms.  And 
then  King  Arthur  made  Sir  Persant  of  Inde  and  his  two 
brethren  knights  of  the  Round  Table  to  their  lives'  end, 
and  gave  them  great  lands.  Also  the  second  day  there 
jousted  Tristram  best,  and  he  overthrew  forty  knights, 
and  did  there  marvellous  deeds  of  arms. 

And  there  King  Arthur  made  Sir  Ironside,  that  was  the 
red  knight  of  the  red  lawns,  a  knight  of  the  Round  Table 
unto  his  life's  end,  and  gave  him  great  lands.  The  third 
day  there  jousted  Sir  Launcelot  du  Lake,  and  he  over- 
threw fifty  knights,  and  did  many  marvellous  deeds  of 
arms,  that  all  men  had  great  wonder  of  his  noble  deeds. 
And  there  King  Arthur  made  the  Duke  de  la  Rowse  a 
knight  of  the  Round  Table  to  his  life's  end,  and  gave  him 
great  lands  to  spend.  But  when  these  jousts  were  done, 
Sir  Lamorak  and  Sir  Tristram  departed  suddenly,  and 
would  not  be  known,  for  the  which  King  Arthur  and  ull 
his  court  were  sore  displeased.  And  so  they  held  the 
feast  forty  days  with  great  solemnity.  And  this  Sir 
Gareth  was  a  full  noble  knight,  and  a  well  ruled,  and 
fair  languaged. 

Thus  endeth  the  history  of  Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney,  that 
wedded  dame  Lyoness  of  the  Castle  Perilous.  And  also 


Of  Sir  Garetk  of  Orkney.  143 


Sir  Gaheris  wedded  her  sister  dame  Trmf»>  that  was  called 
the  damsel  savage.  And  Sir  Agravaine  wedded  dame 
Laurel,  a  fair  lady.  And  great  and  mighty  lands  with 
great  riches  gave  with  them  the  noble  King  Arthur,  that 
royally  they  might  five  onto  their  fives'  end. 


BOOK    IV. 
OF   SIR    TRISTRAM. 


CHAPTER  I. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  DE  LYONESSE  WAS  BORN,  AND  HOW  HIS  MOTHM 

DESIRED  THAT  HlS  NAME  SHOULD  BE  TRISTRAM.1 

THERE  was  a  knight  that  hight  Meliodas,  and  he 
was  lord  and  king  of  the  country  of  Lyonesse,  and 
this  King  Meliodas  was  as  likely  a  man  as  any  was  at  that 
time  living.  And  by  fortune  he  wedded  King  Mark's 
sister  of  Cornwall,  whose  name  was  Elizabeth,  and  she 
was  a  right  fair  lady  and  a  good. 

[And  it  befell  on  a  day  that  a  certain  enchantress 
wrought  as  he  rode  on  hunting,  for  he  was  a  great  hunter, 
and  made  him  chase  an  hart  by  himself  till  that  he  came 
to  an  old  castle,  and  there  she  took  him  prisoner.  Now 
when  Queen  Elizabeth  missed  her  husband  King  Meliodas, 
she  was  nigh  out  of  her  wit ;  and  she  took  a  gentlewoman 
with  her  and  ran  far  into  the  forest  and  took  such  cold 
that  she  might  not  recover.  And  when  she  saw]  that  the 
deep  draughts  of  death  took  her,  that  needs  she  must  die 
and  depart  out  of  this  world  [and]  there  was  none  other 

1  "  Tristram,"  iroi&  the  Fre-  ch  tritte,  meaning  raj. 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  145 

boot  [aid,  or  kapf\,  she  made  great  moan  and  sorrow,  and 
said  unto  her  gentlewoman :  "When  ye  see  my  lord  King 
IfrfMMJas,  recommend  me  onto  him,  and  tell  him  what 
pairs  I  endure  for  his  love,  and  how  I  most  die  here  for 
hi*  sake,  and  for  default  of  good  help,  and  let  him  wit 
that  I  am  foil  sorry  to  depart  out  of  this  world  from  him, 
therefore  pray  him  to  be  good  friend  unto  my  souL  And 
I  charge  thee,  gentlewoman,  that  thon  beseech  my  lord 
King  Meliodas,  that  when  my  son  shall  be  christened 
let  htm  be  nam^j  Tristram,  that  is  as  much  to  say  as 
•ouuwfol  birth." 

And  therewithal  this  Queen  Elizabeth  gave  np  her 
ghost,  and  died  in  the  same  place.  Then  the  gentle- 
woman laid  her  under  the  shadow  of  a  great  tree. 


CHAPTER  II. 


ND  it  so  happened  that  after  seven  years  King 
Meliodas  took  him  a  second  wife,  and  wedded 
King  HowelTs  daughter  of  Brittany.  And  the  new 
queen  was  jealous  of  young  Tristram  in  the  behalf  of 
her  own  children,  and  put  poison  for  Tristram  to  drink. 
But  by  strange  hap  her  own  son  drank  the  poison  and 
died.  Then  again  she  put  poison  in  some  drink  for 
Tristram ;  and]  by  fortune  the  King  Meliodas  her  hus- 
band found  the  piece  \c*f>\  with  the  wine  whereas  the 
poison  was  in,  and  he,  that  was  most  thirsty,  took  the 
piece  for  to  drink  thereof,  ard  as  he  would  have  drunken 


146  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

thereof  the  queen  espied  him,  and  then  she  ran  unto  him 
and  pulled  the  piece  from  him  suddenly.  The  king  mar- 
velled why  she  did  so,  and  remembered  him  how  her  son 
was  suddenly  slain  with  poison.  And  then  he  took  her 
by  the  hand,  and  thus  said  to  her :  "  Thou  false  traitress, 
thou  shalt  tell  me  what  manner  of  drink  this  is,  or  else  I 
shall  slay  thee."  And  therewith  he  pulled  out  his  sword, 
and  swore  a  great  oath  that  he  would  slay  her  but  if  she 
told  him  truth. 

"  Ah !  mercy,  my  lord,"  said  she,  "  and  I  shall  tell  you 
all." 

And  then  she  told  him  why  that  she  would  have  slain 
Tristram,  because  her  children  should  rejoice  the  land. 

"Well,"  said  King  Meliodas,  "therefore  shall  ye  have 
the  law." 

And  so  she  was  damned  \condemned~\  by  the  assent  of 
the  barons  to  be  burnt ;  and  then  there  was  made  a  great 
fire,  and  right  as  she  was  at  the  fire  for  to  take  her  execu- 
tion, young  Tristram  kneeled  down  before  King  Meliodas, 
his  father,  and  besought  him  to  give  him  a  boon. 

"  I  will  well,"  said  the  king. 

Then  said  young  Tristram,  "  Give  me  the  life  of  your 
queen,  my  stepmother." 

"That  is  unrightfully  asked,"  said  his  father,  King 
Meliodas,  "  for  she  would  have  slain  thee  with  that  poison 
and  she  might  have  had  her  will,  and  for  thy  sake  most  is 
my  cause  that  she  should  die." 

"  Sir,"  said  Tristram,  "  as  for  that  I  beseech  you  of  your 
mercy  that  ye  will  forgive  it  her,  and  as  for  my  part,  God 
forgive  it  her,  and  I  do,  and  so  much  it  liketh  your  high- 
ness to  grant  me  my  boon,  for  God's  love  I  pray  you  hold 
your  promise," 

"Sith  it  is  so,"  said  the  king,  "I  will  that  ye  have  her 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  147 

life  and  give  her  to  you,  and  go  ye  to  the  fire  and  take 
her,  and  do  with  her  what  ye  wffl." 

So  young  Tristram  went  to  the  fire,  and,  by  the  command 
of  the  king,  delivered  her  from  the  death. 

And  by  the  good  means  of  young  Tristram  he  made  the 
king  and  her  accord. 


CHAPTER  IIL 

How  Sa  TUSTKAJC  WAS  snrr  nrro  FKAMCZ,  AMD  HAD  o.vx  TO  GOVUX 
HIM  HAMKD  Gomnonuo,  A*D  HOW  HK  IXAKKKD  TO  HAKP,  HAWK. 
AXD  HOT. 

A  ND  then  [King  Meliodas]  let  ordain  a  gentleman  that 
XJL  was  well  learned  and  taught ;  his  name  was  Gouver- 
nail;  and  he  sent  young  Tristram  with  Gouvemail  into 
France,  to  learn  the  language,  and  nurture,  and  deeds  of 
arms.  And  there  was  Tristram  more  than  seven  years. 
And  then  when  he  well  could  speak  the  language,  and  had 
learned  all  that  he  might  learn  in  that  country,  then  he 
came  home  to  his  father  King  Meliodas  again.  And  so 
Tristram  learned  to  be  an  harper  passing  all  other,  that 
there  was  none  such  called  in  no  country,  and  so  in  harp- 
ing and  on  instruments  of  music  he  applied  him  in  his 
youth  for  to  learn.  And  after  as  he  grew  in  might  and 
strength  he  laboured  ever  in  hunting  and  in  hawking,  so 
that  never  gentleman  more,  that  ever  we  heard  tell  of. 


148  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

How  SIR  MARHAUS  CAME  our  OF  IRELAND  FOR  TO  ASK  TRUAGK'  or 
CORNWALL,  OR  ELSE  HE  WOULD  FIGHT  THEREFORE. 

THEN  it  befell  that  King  Anguish  of  Ireland  sent  to 
King  Mark  of  Cornwall  for  his  truage,  which  Corn- 
wall had  paid  many  winters  afore  time,  and  all  that  time 
King  Mark  was  behind  of  the  truage  for  seven  years. 
And  King  Mark  and  his  barons  gave  unto  the  messenger 
of  Ireland  this  answer,  and  said  that  they  would  none  pay, 
and  bade  the  messenger  go  unto  his  King  Anguish,  and 
tell  him  "  that  we  will  pay  him  no  truage ;  but  tell  your 
lord,  and  he  will  always  have  truage  of  us  of  Cornwall, 
bid  him  send  a  trusty  knight  of  his  land  that  will  fight  for 
his  right,  and  we  shall  find  another  to  defend  our  right." 
With  this  answer  the  messenger  departed  into  Ireland. 
And  when  King  Anguish  understood  the  answer  of  the 
messenger,  he  was  wondrous  wroth ;  and  then  he  called 
unto  him  Sir  Marhaus  the  good  knight  that  was  nobly 
proved,  and  a  knight  of  the  Round  Table.  And  this  Sir 
Marhaus  was  brother  unto  the  queen  of  Ireland..  Then 
the  king  [prayed  Sir  Marhaus  that  he  would  go  and  fight 
for  his  truage  of  Cornwall]. 

"  Sir,"  said  Sir  Marhaus,  "  wit  \know\  ye  well  that  I 
shall  not  be  loth  to  do  battle  in  the  right  of  you  and  your 
land  with  the  best  knight  of  the  Round  Table,  for  I  know 
what  their  deeds  be,  and  for  to  increase  my  worship 
\worth-ship\  I  will  right  gladly  go  to  this  journey  for  our 
right." 

So  in  all  haste  there  was  made  purveyance  for  Sir  Mar- 

1  "  Truage,"  tribute. 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  149 

haus,  and  so  he  departed  out  of  Ireland,  and  arrived  up  in 
Cornwall,  even  fast  by  the  castle  of  TintagiL  And  when 
King  Mark  understood  that  he  was  there  arrived  to  fight 
for  Ireland,  then  made  King  Mark  great  sorrow.  For 
they  knew  no  knight  that  durst  have  ado  with  him.  For  at 
that  time  Sir  Marhaus  was  called  one  of  the  famousest 
and  renowned  knights  of  the  world. 

And  thus  Sir  Marhaus  abode  in  the  sea,  and  every  day 
he  sent  unto  King  Mark  for  to  pay  the  tniage  that  was 
behind  of  seven  year,  or  else  to  find  a  knight  to  fight  with 
him  for  the  truage.  Then  they  of  Cornwall  let  make 
cries  in  every  place,  that  what  knight  would  fight  for  to 
save  the  truage  of  Cornwall  he  should  be  rewarded  so  that 
he  should  fare  the  better  the  term  of  his  life.  Then  some 
of  the  barons  said  to  King  Mark,  and  counselled  him  tc 
send  to  the  court  of  King  Arthur  for  to  seek  Sir  Launce- 
lot  du  Lake.  Then  there  were  some  other  barons  that 
counselled  the  king  not  to  do  so,  and  said  that  it  was 
labour  in  vain,  because  Sir  Marhaus  was  a  knight  of  the 
Round  Table,  therefore  any  of  them  will  be  loth  to  have 
ado  with  other.  So  the  king  and  all  his  barons  assented 
that  it  was  no  boot  [help}  to  seek  any  knight  of  the 
Round  Table.  When  young  Tristram  heard  of  this  he 
was  wroth  and  sore  ashamed  that  there  durst  no  knight  in 
Cornwall  have  ado  with  Sir  Marhaus  of  Ireland. 


150  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


CHAPTER  V. 

How  SIR  TRISTRAM  ENTERPRISED  THE   BATTLE   TO   FIGHT  FOR   THE 
TRUAGE  OF  CORNWALL,  AND  HOW  HE  WAS  MADE  KNIGHT. 

'THEREWITHAL  Sir  Tristram  went  unto  his  father 

JL  King  Meliodas,  and  asked  him  counsel  what  was  best 
to  do  for  to  recover  the  country  of  Cornwall  for  truage. 
"  For  as  me  seemeth,"  said  Sir  Tristram,  "  it  were  shame 
that  Sir  Marhaus,  the  queen's  brother  of  Ireland,  should 
go  away,  unless  that  he  were  not  fought  withal." 

"As  for  that,"  said  King  Meliodas,  "wit  ye  well,  my 
son  Tristram,  that  Sir  Marhaus  is  called  one  of  the  best 
knights  of  the  world,  and  knight  of  the  Round  Table,  and 
therefore  I  know  no  knight  in  this  country  that  is  able  to 
match  with  him." 

"  Alas  !  "  said  Sir  Tristram,  "  that  I  am  not  made  knight, 
and  if  Sir  Marhaus  should  thus  depart  into  Ireland,  God 
let  me  never  have  worship;  and  I  were  made  knight  I 
shi  uld  match  him ;  and  sir,"  said  Sir  Tristram,  "  I  pray 
you  to  give  me  leave  to  ride  unto  mine  uncle  King  Mark, 
and  so  ye  be  not  displeased,  of  King  Mark  will  I  be  made 
knight" 

"  I  will  well,"  said  King  Meliodas,  "that  ye  be  ruled  as 
your  courage  will  rule  you." 

And  then  Sir  Tristram  thanked  his  father  much,  and  so 
made  him  ready  to  ride  into  Cornwall.  And  in  the  mean 
while  there  came  a  messenger  with  letters  of  love  from 
the  daughter  of  King  Faramon  of  France,  unto  Sir  Tris- 
tram, that  were  full  piteous  letters,  and  in  them  were 
written  many  complaints  of  love.  But  Sir  Tristram  had 
no  joy  of  her  letters,  nor  regard  unto  her.  Also  she  sent 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  151 

him  a  little  brachet  {hunting  hound}  that  was  passing 
fair.  But  when  the  king's  daughter  understood  that 
Tristram  would  not  love  her,  she  died  for  sorrow.  So 
this  young  Sir  Tristram  rode  unto  his  uncle  King  Mark 
of  Cornwall.  And  when  he  came  there  he  heard  say  that 
there  would  no  knight  fight  with  Sir  Marhaus,  Then 
went  Sir  Tristram  unto  his  uncle  and  said,  — 

"  Sir,  if  ye  will  give  me  the  order  of  knighthood  I  will 
do  battle  with  Sir  Marhaus." 

"What  are  ye?"  said  the  king,  "and  from  whence  be 
ye  come  ? " 

"Sir,"  said  Tristram,  "I  come  from  King  Meliodas 
that  wedded  your  sister,  and  a  gentleman  wit  ye  well  I 
am." 

King  Mark  beheld  Sir  Tristram,  and  saw  that  he  was 
but  a  young  man  of  age,  but  he  was  passingly  well  made 
and  big. 

"Fair  sir,"  said  the  king,  "what  is  your  name,  and 
where  were  ye  born  ? " 

"  Sir,"  said  he  again,  "  my  name  is  Tristram,  and  in  the 
country  of  Lyonesse  was  I  born." 

"Ye  say  well,"  said  the  king,  "and  if  ye  will  do  this 
battle  I  shall  make  you  knight." 

"Therefore  I  come  to  you,"  said  Sir  Tristram,  "and 
for  none  other  cause." 

But  then  King  Mark  made  him  knight.  And  there- 
withal anon  as  he  had  made  him  knight,  he  sent  a  mes- 
senger unto  Sir  Marhaus  with  letters  that  said  that  he 
had  found  a  young  knight  ready  for  to  take  the  battle  to 
the  uttermost. 

"It  may  well  be,"  said  Sir  Marhaus;  "but  tell  unto 
King  Mark  that  I  will  not  fight  with  no  knight  but  if  he 
be  of  blood  royal,  that  is  to  say  either  king's  son  or 
queen's  son,  bom  of  a  prince  or  princess." 


152  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

When  King  Mark  understood  that,  he  sent  for  Sir 
Tristram  de  Lyonesse,  and  told  him  what  was  the  answer 
of  Sir  Marhaus.  Then  said  Sir  Tristram,  — 

"Since  he  sayeth  so,  let  him  wit  that  I  am  come  of 
father's  side  and  mother's  side  of  as  noble  blood  as  he  is. 
For,  sir,  now  shall  ye  know  that  I  am  King  Meliodas' 
son,  born  of  your  own  sister  dame  Elizabeth,  that  died  in 
the  forest  in  the  birth  of  me." 

"Yea! "  said  King  Mark,  "ye  are  welcome  fair  nephew 
to  me." 

Then  in  all  the  haste  the  king  let  horse  Sir  Tristram 
and  arm  him  in  the  best  manner  that  might  be  had  or 
gotten  for  gold  or  silver.  And  then  King  Mark  sent  unto 
Sir  Marhaus,  and  did  him  to  wit  [let  him  know]  that  a 
better  born  man  than  he  was  himself  should  fight  with  him, 
and  his  name  is  Sir  Tristram  de  Lyonesse,  [son  of]  King 
Meliodas,  and  born  of  King  Mark's  sister.  Then  was  Sir 
Marhaus  glad  and  blithe  that  he  should  fight  with  such  a 
gentleman.  And  so  by  the  assent  of  King  Mark  and 
Sir  Marhaus  they  let  ordain  that  they  should  fight  within 
an  island  nigh  Sir  Marhaus'  ships ;  and  so  was  young  Sir 
Tristram  put  into  a  little  vessel,  both  his  horse  and  he, 
and  all  that  to  him  belonged  both  for  his  body  and  for 
his  horse,  so  that  Sir  Tristram  lacked  no  manner  thing. 
And  when  King  Mark  and  his  barons  of  Cornwall  beheld 
how  young  Sir  Tristram  departed  with  such  a  carriage 
{that  is,  carrying  himself  so  bravely}  to  fight  for  the  right 
of  Cornwall,  wit  ye  well  there  was  neither  man  nor  woman 
of  worship  but  they  wept  for  to  see  so  young  a  knight 
jeopard  himself  for  their  right. 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  153 


CHAPTER  VL 

How  Six  TEISTKAJI  AEEIYED  raro  THE  ISLAND  torn.  TO  rvuasu.  THB 
BATTLE  WTTH  Six  MAKHAUS. 

to  make  short  this  tale,  that  when  Sir  Tristram 
was  arrived  within  the  island,  then  he  looked  to  the 
farther  side,  and  there  he  saw  at  an  anchor  six  ships  nigh 
to  the  land,  and  under  the  shadow  of  the  ships,  upon  the 
land,  there  hoved  \hovcred*\  the  noble  knight  Sir  Marhaus 
of  Ireland.  And  then  Sir  Tristram  commanded  his  ser- 
vant Gouvernafl  for  to  bring  his  horse  to  the  land,  and 
dress  his  harness  at  all  manner  of  rights.  And  when 
he  had  so  done,  he  mounted  upon  his  horse.  And  when  he 
was  in  his  saddle  well  apparelled,  and  his  shield  dressed 
upon  his  shoulder,  Sir  Tristram  asked  Gouvernail,  "  Where 
is  this  knight  that  I  shall  have  to  do  withal  ?  " 

"Sir,"  said  his  servant  Gouvernail,  "see  ye  him  not? 
I  wend  ye  had  seen  him,  yonder  he  hoveth  under  the 
shadow  of  his  ships  upon  horseback,  and  his  spear  in  his 
hand,  and  his  shield  upon  his  shoulder." 

"It  is  truth,"  said  Sir  Tristram,  "now  I  see  him  well 
enough." 

And  then  he  commanded  his  servant  Gouvernail  to  go 
again  unto  his  vessel,  and  commend  him  "unto  mine 
uncle  King  Mark,  and  pray  him  that  if  I  be  slain  in  this 
battle,  for  to  bury  my  body  as  him  seemeth  best,  and,  as 
for  me,  let  him  wit  that  I  will  never  yield  me  for  no  cow- 
ardice, and  if  I  be  slain  and  flee  not,  then  have  they  lost 
no  truage  for  me.  And  if  so  be  that  I  flee  or  yield  me  as 
recreant,  bid  mine  uncle  never  bury  me  in  Christian 
burials.  And  upon  my  life,"  said  Sir  Tristram  to  Gouver- 


The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 


nail,  "come  thou  not  nigh  this  island  till  thou  see  me 
overcome  or  slain,  or  else  that  I  win  yonder  knight" 
And  so  either  departed  from  other  weeping. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

flow  SIR  TRISTRAM  FOUGHT  AGAINST  SIR  MARHAUS  AND  FINISHED  HII 
BATTLE,  AND  HOW  SIR  MARHAUS  FLED  TO  HIS  SHIPS. 

AND  then  Sir  Marhaus  perceived  Sir  Tristram,  and 
thus  said  unto  him :  "Young  knight  Sir  Tristram, 
what  doest  thou  here  ?  Me  sore  repenteth  of  thy  courage, 
for  wit  thou  well  I  have  matched  with  the  best  knights  of 
the  world,  and  therefore  by  my  counsel  return  again  to  thy 
ship." 

"  Fair  knight  and  well  proved  knight,"  said  Sir  Tristram, 
"thou  shalt  well  wit  that  I  may  not  forsake  thee  in  this 
quarrel,  for  I  am  for  thy  sake  made  knight,  and  thou  shalt 
well  wit  that  I  am  a  king's  son  born,  and  such  promise 
have  I  made  at  mine  uncle's  request  and  mine  own  seek- 
ing, that  I  shall  fight  with  thee  unto  the  uttermost,  to 
deliver  Cornwall  from  the  old  truage.  Also  wit  ye  well, 
Sir  Marhaus,  that  for  ye  are  called  one  of  the  best  re- 
nowned knights  of  the  world,  and  because  of  that  noise 
and  fame  that  ye  have,  it  will  do  me  good  to  have  to  do 
with  you,  for  never  yet  sith  [since]  that  I  was  born  of  my 
mother  was  I  proved  with  a  good  knight,  and  also  sith  I 
have  taken  the  high  order  of  knighthood  this  day,  I  am 
right  well  pleased  that  I  may  have  to  do  with  so  good  a 
knight  as  ye  are.  And  now  wit  ye  well,  Sir  Marhaus  cf 
Ireland,  that  I  cast  me  to  win  worship  on  thy  body,  I 
trust  to  God  I  shall  be  worshipfully  proved  upon  thy  body 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  155 

and  for  to  deliver  the  country  of  Cornwall  foiever  from 
all  manner  of  truage  from  Ireland." 

And  when  the  good  knight  Sir  Marhaus  had  heard  him 
say  what  him  list,  then  said  he  thus  again :  "  Fair  knight, 
sith  it  is  so  that  thou  castest  thee  to  win  worship  on  me, 
I  let  thee  wit  that  no  worship  maist  thou  leese  [lose]  by 
me,  if  thou  mayst  stand  me  three  strokes,  for  I  let  you 
wit  that  for  my  noble  deeds,  proved  and  seen,  King  Ar- 
thur made  me  knight  of  the  Table  Round."  Then  they 
began  to  feuter  {place  in  rest]  their  spears,  and  they  met 
so  fiercely  together  that  they  smote  either  other  down 
both  horse  and  all.  But  Sir  Marhaus  smote  Sir  Tristram 
a  great  wound  in  the  side  with  his  spear,  and  then  they 
avoided  their  horses,  and  pulled  out  their  swords,  and 
threw  their  shields  afore  them,  and  then  they  lashed  to- 
gether as  men  than  were  wild  and  courageous.  And  when 
they  had  stricken  so  together  long,  then  they  left  their 
strokes,  and  foined  {thrust,  in  feinting] ;  and  when  they 
saw  that  that  might  not  prevail  them,  then  they  hurtled 
together  like  rams  to  bear  either  other  down.  Thus  they 
fought  still  more  than  half  a  day,  and  either  were  wounded 
passing  sore,  that  the  blood  ran  down  freshly  from  them 
upon  the  ground.  By  then  Sir  Tristram  waxed  more 
fresher  than  Sir  Marhaus,  and  better  winded  and  bigger, 
and  with  a  mighty  stroke  he  smote  Sir  Marhaus  upon  the 
helm  such  a  buffet,  that  it  went  through  his  helm,  and 
through  the  coif  of  steel,  and  through  the  brain-pan,  and 
the  sword  stuck  so  fast  in  the  helm  and  in  his  brain-pan 
that  Sir  Tristram  pulled  thrice  at  his  sword  or  ever  he 
might  pull  it  out  from  his  head,  and  there  Marhaus  fell 
down  on  his  knees,  [and  a  piece  of]  the  edge  of  Tristram's 
sword  [was]  left  in  his  brain-pan.  And  suddenly  Sir  Mar- 
haus rose  grovelling,  and  threw  his  sword  and  his  shield 


156  The  Boy's  King  Arthur. 

from  him,  and  so  ran  to  his  ships  and  fled  his  way,  and 
Sir  Tristram  had  ever  his  shield  and  his  sword.  And 
when  Sir  Tristram  saw  Sir  Marhaus  withdraw  him,  he 
said,  "  Ah,  sir  knight  of  the  Round  Table,  why  withdraw 
est  thou  thee ;  thou  doest  thyself  and  thy  kin  great  shame, 
for  I  am  but  a  young  knight,  or  now  I  was  never  proved, 
and  rather  than  I  should  withdraw  me  from  thee,  I  had 
rather  be  hewn  in  an  hundred  pieces."  Sir  Marhaus  an- 
swered no  word,  but  went  his  way  sore  groaning. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

How  SIR  MARHAUS,  AFTER  HE  WAS  ARRIVED  IN  IRELAND,  DIED  OF  THE 

STROKE  THAT  TRISTRAM    HAD    GIVEN    HIM,  AND    HOW  TRISTRAM  WAS 
HURT. 

ANON  Sir  Marhaus  and  his  fellowship  departed  into 
Ireland.  And  as  soon  as  he  came  to  the  king  his 
brother  he  let  search  his  wounds.  And  when  his  head 
was  searched,  a  piece  of  Sir  Tristram's  sword  was  found 
therein,  and  might  never  be  had  out  of  his  head  for  no 
surgeons,  and  so  he  died  of  Sir  Tristram's  sword,  and  that 
piece  of  the  sword  the  queen  his  sister  kept  it  for  ever 
with  her,  for  she  thought  to  be  revenged  and  she  might. 

Now  turn  we  again  unto  Sir  Tristram,  that  was  sore 
wounded,  and  full  sore  bled,  that  he  might  not  within  a 
little  while  when  he  had  taken  cold  scarcely  stir  him  of 
his  limbs.  And  then  he  set  him  down  softly  upon  a  little 
hill,  and  bled  fast.  Then  anon  came  Gouvernail  his  man 
with  his  vessel,  and  the  king  and  his  barons  came  with 
procession,  and  when  he  was  come  to  the  land,  King  Mark 
took  him  in  both  his  arms,  and  the  king  and  Sir  Dinas 


Of  Sir  Tristram.  157 

the  seneschal  led  Sir  Tristram  into  the  castle  of  Tintagil, 
and  then  were  his  wounds  searched  in  the  best  manner, 
and  laid  in  bed.  And  when  King  Mark  saw  all  his 
wounds,  he  wept  right  heartily,  and  so  did  all  his  lords. 

"So  God  me  help,"  said  King  Mark,  "I  would  not  for 
all  my  lands  that  my  nephew  died." 

So  Sir  Tristram  lay  there  a  month  and  more,  and  was 
like  to  have  died  of  the  stroke  that  Sir  Marhaus  had  given 
him  first  with  his  spear.  For,  as  the  French  book  saith, 
that  spear's  head  was  envenomed,  that  Sir  Tristram  might 
not  be  whole  thereof.  Then  was  King  Mark  and  all  his 
barons  passing  heavy,  for  they  deemed  none  other  but 
that  Sir  Tristram  should  not  recover.  So  the  king  let 
send  after  all  manner  of  leeches  and  surgeons,  both  men 
and  women,  and  there  was  none  that  would  warrant  him 
his  life.  Then  came  there  a  lady,  which  was  a  full  wise 
lady,  and  she  said  plainly  unto  King  Mark  and  unto  Sir 
Tristram  and  unto  all  the  barons,  that  he  should  never 
be  whole,  but  if  Sir  Tristram  went  into  the  same  country 
that  the  venom  came  from,  and  in  that  country  should  he 
be  holpen  or  else  never.  When  King  Mark  had  well  heard 
what  the  lady  said,  forthwith  he  let  purvey  for  Sir  Tris- 
tram a  fair  vessel,  and  well  victualled  it,  and  therein  was 
put  Sir  Tristram  and  Gouvernail  with  him,  and  Sir  Tris- 
tram took  his  harp  with  him,  and  so  he  was  put  to  sea,  for 
to  sail  into  Ireland,  and  so  by  good  fortune  he  arrived  up 
into  Ireland  even  fast  by  a  castle  where  the  king  and  the 
queen  were,  and  at  his  arriving  he  sat  and  harped  in  his 
bed  a  merry  lay,  such  one  had  they  never  heard  in  Ireland 
afore  that  time.  And  when  it  was  told  the  king  and  the 
queen  of  such  a  knight  that  was  such  a  harper,  anon  the 
king  sent  for  him,  and  let  search  his  wound,  and  then  he 
asked  him  what  was  his  name.  He  answered  and  said, — 


